In Episode 195 of The Fin Factor, Paul and Aaron analyze a winless week for the San Jose Sharks, focusing on a “brutal” sickness that hit the goaltending core and the extension of their losing streak.
Sharks Health and Goaltending Issues
The team’s goaltending situation was thrown into chaos due to sudden illnesses and injuries:
- Mackenzie Blackwood: The starting goalie became severely ill with a high fever and chills that lasted for three days.
- Magnus Chrona: Due to Blackwood’s illness, Chrona was called up from the Barracuda and given his first NHL start against Edmonton. Unfortunately, his family traveled from Sweden only to see him get “the hook” after allowing four goals on 12 shots in the first period.
- Mario Ferraro: In the game against Colorado, the team’s “glue” and top defenseman was forced out with an upper-body injury after a hit from Nathan MacKinnon.
Game Recaps: The Losing Streak Extends
The Sharks finished the week with zero points, extending a double-digit losing streak.
- LA Kings (5-1 Loss): The Sharks actually led 1-0 after the first period, outshooting and out-chancing the Kings. However, they “took their foot off the gas,” and the Kings dominated the second and third periods.
- Edmonton Oilers (5-0 Loss): Edmonton “absolutely destroyed” the Sharks, scoring four goals in the first period alone. Defenseman Kyle Burroughs was a notable -5 for the game, being on the ice for every Edmonton goal.
- Colorado Avalanche: Following Ferraro’s early exit, the Sharks were left with a very young defensive core; four out of the five remaining defensemen (Thrun, Emberson, Addison, and Okhotiuk) were 23 years old or younger.
Future Outlook and Prospect Development
Despite the “ugly” games, the hosts discussed reasons for long-term optimism:
- Prospect Pipeline: They highlighted seven players, including Quentin Musty and Kasper Halttunen, as having legitimate NHL potential.
- Bandwagon Fans: Aaron joked that it is a great time to become a fan because no one will accuse you of being a “bandwagoner” when the team is at its absolute worst.
