In Episode 204 of The Fin Factor, hosts Paul and Aaron discuss the aftermath of the NHL trade deadline, highlighted by a surprising win against the Ottawa Senators and the departure of key veterans.
Chrona’s First Win & Recent Performance
The hosts specifically focused on goaltender Magnus Chrona, who earned his first NHL win in a 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators.
- A “Rare Win”: The win was described as unexpected, especially since the team was “depleted” following the trades of key players like Anthony Duclair and Tomáš Hertl.
- Defensive Grit: In the final minute of the Ottawa game, the team blocked six shots to protect Chrona’s lead. The hosts noted that the players “knew how important this was for Chrona” and the team to end a nine-game losing streak.
- Previous Struggles: The win was a major turnaround for Chrona, who had been “shelled” in previous starts, including a 7-2 loss to the Islanders just before the trade deadline.
Post-Trade Roster & Roster Depletion
The episode heavily analyzed the “weird” feeling of watching a roster that no longer included long-time staples.
- Roster Changes: The team moved into the “post-Sharks trades” era without Anthony Duclair (traded to Tampa Bay) and Tomáš Hertl (traded to Vegas).
- Impact of the Hertl Trade: The hosts expressed mixed feelings about the Hertl trade, acknowledging it was a “shock” because no information leaked beforehand. They noted that Mark-Édouard Vlasic and Logan Couture are now the only remaining players from the team’s 2016 Stanley Cup Finals era.
- New Additions: The Sharks acquired goaltender Vitek Vananecek (currently injured) and Jack Thompson as part of the deadline moves.
- Emerging Leaders: With the veterans gone, Fabian Zetterlund has moved up the ranks to become one of the team’s leading scorers. The hosts also praised Mikael Granlund for reaching his 800th NHL game milestone during this period.
Key Player Stats Mentioned
- Fabian Zetterlund: 16 goals and 14 assists for 30 points in 64 games.
- Mikael Granlund: Celebrated his 800th career game.
- Anthony Duclair: Scored two goals and two assists in his final game as a Shark against the Stars.
