In Episode 207 of The Fin Factor, Paul and Aaron break down a week of resilient but ultimately unsuccessful hockey for the San Jose Sharks as they continue to occupy the bottom of the NHL standings. Despite the losses, the hosts find reason for optimism in individual performances and a surprisingly effective special teams unit.
The Standout: Mackenzie Blackwood’s Heavy Workload
The conversation centered on the performance of Mackenzie Blackwood, who has been under constant fire behind a struggling defensive unit.
- Fending Off the Avalanche: Paul and Aaron discussed Blackwood’s 40-save effort against the Colorado Avalanche.
- Keeping Games Close: The hosts noted that while the final scores may not always reflect it, Blackwood has consistently given the team a chance to remain competitive deep into the third period.
- Defensive Lapses: The episode highlighted how a “brain fart” or a single simple mistake often led to goals against, deflating the team despite their hard work.
The Mikael Granlund 60 Point Watch
A significant portion of the fan engagement centered on veteran forward Mikael Granlund and his late season hot streak.
- The Granlund vs. Carlson Comparison: A fan question sparked a debate on whether Granlund would finish with more points than former Shark Erik Carlson. With Granlund at 51 points and Carlson at 47 at the time of recording, the hosts were confident Granlund would come out on top.
- Confidence in the 60 Point Mark: Aaron felt confident Granlund could reach 60 points, noting he was currently on a point per game pace. Paul was more cautious, predicting he might fall just short at 59 points.
Statistical Surprises: A Power Play on Fire
Perhaps the most shocking revelation of the episode was the recent success of the Sharks’ power play.
- Elite Efficiency: Since March 9, the day after the trade deadline, the Sharks’ power play ranked 6th in the NHL with an 86.2% success rate.
- Overcoming Roster Gaps: The hosts expressed amazement that the unit has thrived despite the absence of key veterans like Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl, as well as the trade of Anthony Duclair.
Prospect Watch: The Future in Focus
With the regular season winding down, attention shifted toward the team’s young talent and upcoming camps.
- Quentin Musty’s Potential: The hosts discussed Musty’s “power forward” style and his chances of making the NHL roster at age 19, praising his physicality and skill.
- The College Signing Cycle: There was speculation regarding potential collegiate signings and the strategic decision of whether to “burn” a year of an entry level contract by playing them in the final games of the season.
