The San Jose Sharks came into this week riding a two-game win streak and a lot of optimism, but the NHL has a way of leveling things out quickly. Paul and Aaron break down a winless three-game stretch against Vegas, Utah, and Minnesota that Paul officially dubbed a “market correction” on his earlier season predictions.
The Defensive Dilemma: Are the Sharks Weak on the Blue Line?
The guys dive deep into the current state of the Sharks’ defense. While the team is staying competitive in games and avoiding the blowouts of last season, the blue line remains a work in progress.
- Thrun’s Rapid Rise: Henry Thrun’s progression from last season has been a massive bright spot. Aaron notes that Thrun’s puck-moving ability and reliability might already make him a better asset on the back end than some established veterans.
- The Hunt for a “Stud”: Despite the improvements, Aaron argues that the Sharks still lack a bona fide, top-10 “stud” defenseman—a puck-moving cornerstone like a Cale Makar who can drive play at an elite level.
- Liljegren’s Snipe: Timothy Liljegren earned some serious praise for a “Brent Burns-style” snipe from the blue line against Vegas, showing the kind of offensive threat the Sharks need more of.
The Controversy: Will Smith Gets Benched
The biggest talking point of the week was Ryan Warsofsky’s decision to bench Will Smith mid-game against Minnesota.
- The “Same Mistake” Factor: Warsofsky noted that benching often comes down to a player making the same mistake repeatedly. A lazy backhand turnover and a lack of “bust your butt” back-checking eventually led to Smith sitting for the final 25 minutes of the game.
- NHL vs. AHL Development: Paul doubles down on his stance that Smith might be “in over his head” and would be better served by a stint in the AHL to hone his craft, much like legends Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski did before him.
Colin Graff: The Undrafted Gem
While Smith struggled, Colin Graff continued to impress, earning nearly 17 minutes of ice time—fifth most among all forwards in the game.
- Trust Earned: Aaron and Paul highlight Graff’s aggressive demeanor and his ability to “beat guys off walls” as the reason the coaching staff trusts him in all situations, including the power play and penalty kill.
- AHL Success Story: Graff himself credited his time in the AHL and a summer of NHL-specific training for his comfort level on the ice.
Dynasty in the Making?
A listener comment sparked a discussion on Mike Grier’s long-term vision. The guys agree that Grier isn’t just trying to build a playoff team, he’s building a dynasty by targeting specific draft years to ensure a steady, recurring flow of prospects through the organization for years to come.
