The San Jose Sharks experienced the full spectrum of the NHL this week. Paul and Aaron return to break down a stretch of games that included a gritty win against Washington and a sobering reminder of the gap between a rebuilding team and the defending Stanley Cup champions.
Capitalizing on an Ovechkin-less Washington
The week started with a solid 2-1 overtime victory against the Washington Capitals. While the Capitals were missing Alexander Ovechkin due to a leg injury, the Sharks took full advantage of the opportunity.
- Toffoli’s Goal Scorer’s Goal: Tyler Toffoli opened the scoring by intercepting a breakout pass in the neutral zone and ripping a shot past the goalie. It was a classic example of why he was brought in to provide veteran offense.
- Defensive Discipline: The Sharks played a confident game, holding their own against a Washington team that held the highest points percentage in the league at the time.
Macklin Celebrini: Rewriting the History Books
The primary headline of the week remains the extraordinary play of 18 year old Macklin Celebrini. The crew discusses how he is already placing himself among the greatest to ever play the game.
- Elite Company: By reaching 20 career points in just 21 games, Celebrini has joined a top 10 list of 18 year olds that includes names like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.
- The 200 Foot Force: Paul and Aaron argue that Celebrini is much more than just a skilled scorer. His defensive tenacity and willingness to engage physically already surpass many veteran players.
- Chemistry with Eklund: The duo of Celebrini and William Eklund continues to flourish. The guys highlight how their similar aggressive styles and high hockey IQs make them a dangerous pair every time they hit the ice.
Humbled in Florida: A Lesson from the Champs
The momentum from the Washington win hit a wall when the Sharks faced the Florida Panthers. The defending champions provided a stark “market correction” for the young Sharks roster.
- The Gap in Class: While the Sharks have been competitive in most games, the Florida matchup highlighted the difference in depth and physical maturity between a true contender and a team in the early stages of a rebuild.
- Learning Experience: Aaron notes that games like these are essential for the development of the youth movement, showing the “kids” exactly what it takes to compete at the highest level of the sport.
Fun with the “All-Disappointment” Team
In a lighter segment sparked by a fan question, Paul and Aaron share their picks for the all-time “All-Disappointment” team.
- High Hopes, Low Returns: Names like Nikolai Goldobin, Mirko Mueller, and Ryan Merkley were discussed as players who had high expectations but ultimately couldn’t find their footing in San Jose.
- Goaltending Debates: The guys even touched on disappointing goaltending stints, mentioning Martin Jones and Antti Niemi as players they hoped would have carried their initial success further.
