In Episode 221, Paul and Aaron break down a winless week for the San Jose Sharks, focusing on offensive struggles, the strategic management of their youngest star, and a historically difficult road trip.
The Sharks remain winless on the season, continuing a challenging start that the hosts note is particularly difficult for fans. While the team has managed to secure some points through overtime and shootout losses, they have yet to find the back of the net consistently enough to secure a victory.
Power Play “Stinker”
The Sharks’ power play continues to be a major point of concern for the coaching staff and fans alike.
- Lack of Production: In the 4-2 loss to Chicago, the power play was described as a “stinker” that failed to generate momentum.
- Par for the Course: The hosts noted that the power play’s struggles are “par for the course” for the season so far, as the team has been unable to capitalize on numerous opportunities.
- Disgusting Tic-Tac-Toe: In contrast, the hosts highlighted a “disgusting” power play goal by the Blackhawks’ Nick Foligno, set up by a no-look pass from Connor Bedard, as an example of what an elite power play looks like.
Will Smith’s “Load Management”
A significant portion of the episode focused on fourth overall pick Will Smith being held out of the lineup for the game against Winnipeg.
- Not a Performance Bench: The hosts emphasized that Smith was not scratched due to poor play; rather, it was a “load management” decision.
- Easing the Transition: Because the jump from the NCAA to the NHL’s 82-game schedule is massive, the organization is easing him into the experience rather than letting him burn out.
- The Warsofsky Plan: Coach Ryan Warsofsky confirmed this is part of a specific internal plan for Smith, similar to how the Anaheim Ducks managed Leo Carlsson’s rookie season.
The Road Trip from Hell
The Sharks faced a “scheduled loss” in Winnipeg that turned into an 8-3 blowout.
- Depleted Roster: The team was forced to play a top-tier Winnipeg Jets team without Macklin Celebrini (injured), Will Smith (load management), and William Eklund (precautionary rest).
- A Ridiculous Schedule: The hosts called out the brutal schedule that saw the Sharks play their third game in four nights, including a back-to-back that required flying from Chicago to Winnipeg.
Bright Spots: Eklund and Toffoli
Despite the losses, the individual play of William Eklund and Tyler Toffoli remains a highlight.
- Eklund’s Elite Playmaking: Eklund was praised for his “patented move” of passing from behind the net to freeze goalies. His puck protection and “elite” skating have made him a consistent threat every night.
- Toffoli the “Immovable Object”: Toffoli’s strength was on display when a Chicago defenseman attempted to knock him off the puck and simply bounced off him. He remains the Sharks’ most consistent scoring punch.
