In Episode 194 of The Fin Factor, hosts Paul and Aaron introduce their long-awaited new studio set while reflecting on a winless week of hockey and highlighting several promising prospects participating in the World Junior Championships.
The New Studio Set
A major focus of the episode is the unveiling of a professional new set, which had been in development for about three years.
- Design and Construction: The set features a custom-built, reinforced desk that is reportedly strong enough to hold 3,000 pounds.
- Technical Features: It includes a mounted center TV for future visual content, professional lighting, and a multi-camera setup.
- The Team: The hosts credited “Head Tech” Todd Sholl and Super Producer Jason for the heavy lifting and technical installation of the new space.
Sharks Performance: “Still Bad”
The hosts summarized the current state of the team bluntly: “The Sharks still bad. The end.”. They recapped three distinct losses from the week:
- LA Kings (4-1 Loss): Paul and Aaron noted the Sharks were “outplayed completely,” failing to score until a late power-play goal by Jacob McDonald broke the shutout.
- Arizona Coyotes (5-2 Loss): The game was described as having “ugly goals” and defensive breakdowns that left the goaltenders vulnerable. Filip Zadina scored a “weird” goal during the game that trickled past the goalie.
- Vancouver Canucks (7-4 Loss): Despite the high score, the hosts felt this was a closer game than indicated, with the teams tied 4-4 late in the third period against what they called the “best team in the league”.
Prospects Shining at World Juniors
The episode highlighted six Sharks prospects competing in the World Junior Championships, representing a source of future optimism.
- Team USA: Will Smith (2023 4th overall pick) and Eric Polkamp (2023 5th round pick).
- Team Sweden: Filip Bystedt (2022 1st rounder) and Mattias Havlid (2022 2nd rounder). Bystedt was praised for his “beast” size and a heavy one-timer goal.
- Team Canada: Jake Furlong, a 5th-round pick who was lauded for making an “A-level” roster and contributing to the penalty kill.
- Team Finland: Kasper Halttunen, whose “Ovi’s office” style one-timer from the left circle was identified as a potential future weapon for the Sharks’ power play.
Merchandise and Giveaways
- Holiday Sweater “Shirzies”: The hosts showcased “Holiday Sweater” themed jersey-shirts from a recent giveaway and announced they would be giving away at least four of them to fans.
- New Apparel: Paul promoted the new “Fin Factor” hats and other merchandise available on their website to help support the cost of the new set.
