Can William Eklund become the San Jose Sharks' breakout star this season? With 5 points in just 6 games, Eklund is showing remarkable strength and skill, positioning himself as a key player for the Sharks. Meanwhile, Klim Kostin's struggles are raising eyebrows as he transitions from top-six minutes to being a healthy scratch. Is he following in the footsteps of Jacob Petersson? Nico Sturm's diminishing ice time suggests the Sharks are planning for a future without him, possibly trading him...

Can the San Jose Sharks overcome their penalty woes to secure a win in the NHL? With the Sharks struggling to stay out of the penalty box, their chances against teams like the Anaheim Ducks are taking a hit. This episode explores the Sharks' ongoing challenges, including rookie Will Smith's fluctuating performance and Jack Thompson's impressive performance. Mackenzie Blackwood's standout 38-save game is also highlighted, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity. Listeners will gain...

The San Jose Barracuda have gotten out to a hot start thanks to a massive improvement in goaltending from Yaroslav Askarov. Examine Askarov's impact and why he changes the math for the Barracuda. Then, the offense has been humming this season with 20 goals in four games; look at why it is sustainable because of the contributions from several key players, including Filip Bystedt, and why there could be room for improvement if the Barracuda get Danil Gushchin and or Thomas Bordeleau back. Then,...

It was a better process for the San Jose Sharks, but the same results in their 4-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. Examine how the same issues continue to crop up for the Sharks as they could not take advantage of critical situations, including another 5 on 3 power play. Then, analyze the numbers behind the Sharks' loss, including how they outplayed the Avalanche in the final 40 minutes, William Eklund was the Sharks' best player, and Will Smith continues to have quality moments. Next, ...

Will Smith was a healthy scratch for load management in the San Jose Sharks' 8-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. Start with the Sharks' plan for Will Smith to manage his workload throughout the season, including missing games, and why it makes sense for the Sharks and their investment in Smith and Macklin Celebrini. Then, the Sharks were demolished because they could not stay out of the penalty box. How does Ryan Warsofsky correct this budding issue? Next, analyze the numbers behind the game, how...

The San Jose Sharks offense couldn't get going in the first two periods against the Chicago Blackhawks, and they eventually lost 4-2. Start with the stale offense and the disappointment that the Sharks couldn't make it a game against an equal opponent. Then, Sharks prospect Will Smith had his best NHL game. Analyze what went right for Smith as he racked up over 19 minutes of ice time and looked more confident. Next, examine the numbers behind the game, how the Sharks made the numbers closer...

The San Jose Sharks missed their chance to take down one of the best teams in the NHL, losing 3-2 in a shootout to the Dallas Stars. Start with the Sharks not being able to capitalize on an extended 5 on 3 power play as the team is trying to learn how to win. Then, discuss Will Smith's deployment, especially down the stretch run of the game, and if the Sharks need to look at tweaking the lines. Next, analyze the numbers behind the game and how the second period got away from the Sharks, but...

Will Smith is two games into his NHL career, and the San Jose Sharks (and their fans) need to practice patience. Discuss Will Smith as a prospect and how he has grown in a small sample size of preseason and NHL games. Also, examine some of the circumstances around Smith and his development as he plays without Gabe Perreault and Ryan Leonard for the first time in years. Next, analyze the numbers behind his two games and determine why his game is quality over quantity right now at even...

The San Jose Sharks put Macklin Celebrini on IR over the weekend and lost a competitive 2-0 game to the Anaheim Ducks. Start with the Celebrini news and why it's not worth panicking over. Then, despite the loss, the Sharks look like a much more competitive team thanks to their third line, setting the tone for how they want the team to play. Analyze the numbers behind the game and how the Sharks played well despite not getting the production. Also, examine how William Eklund, Mikael Granlund,...

Macklin Celebrini delivers in his NHL debut, but the San Jose Sharks remain the Sharks as they lose 5-4 in OT to the St. Louis Blues. Start with Celebrini's NHL debut as he scores a goal and an assist and looks the part in his first game. Also, discuss Will Smith's debut and how he has built off his preseason and improved with every performance. Then, examine the Sharks showing life in the second period after being outplayed in the first and why this is different than what we've seen from the...

The San Jose Sharks open their season against the St. Louis Blues, but what are the season's most significant stories or themes? Start with the development of top prospects Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith and why their growth is the most crucial aspect of the Sharks season. Then, look at the development path of other players, including William Eklund, Henry Thrun, and Shakir Mukhamadullin, and see if they can continue their improvement. Next, if Ryan Warsofsky can change the culture of the...

Where will the San Jose Sharks finish in the standings? Who will lead the team in points? Will Macklin Celebrini score more than 54.5 points? Max Miller of NHL.com joins to debate some Sharks props, over/unders, and team leaders. We start with whether the Sharks will be the worst team in the NHL again and where they will finish in the Pacific Division. We also examine Celebrini's point total, whether William Eklund can lead the team in points, and how many games Yaroslav Askarov gets. We...

The San Jose Sharks have their opening night roster for the 2024-25 season! Danil Gushchin made the team after an excellent training camp, and the Sharks are running a fifteen-forward, six-defensemen, and two-goalie roster for now. Plus, which players are on the injured list, and how the Sharks are handling Shakir Mukhamadullin's return to the lineup? Next, when should we see Luca Cagnoni, Jack Thompson, Ethan Cardwell, and Collin Graf on the Sharks this season? Then, how do the Sharks plan...

With the preseason officially done and the regular season a few days away, what did we learn about the San Jose Sharks as we try to set expectations for the 2024-25 season? Start with why this team will still struggle to maintain offensive zone time based on the play at 5v5 in the preseason. This should improve as the season progresses, as new players like Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and Tyler Toffoli build chemistry. Next, the power play is set up to be the team's strength because of the...

Danil Gushchin scores five points as the rag-tag baby San Jose Sharks comeback to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 6-5. Start with Gushchin's massive night as he tries to cement his spot on the opening night roster and how he showed many aspects of his development in tonight's come-from-behind win. Then, examine which other players made their case for the opening night roster, including Luca Cagnoni, Jack Thompson, and Ethan Cardwell. Finally, make a final prediction for who makes the Sharks...

Despite the San Jose Sharks 3-2 shootout loss to the Anaheim Ducks, Will Smith gets more comfortable adapting to playing in the NHL. Examine Smith's ups and downs tonight, including his off night shooting the puck and why that will improve, how his passing and vision are already on display, and the plan around faceoffs. Then, analyze Danil Gushchin's night and if he has locked up a roster spot. Next, discuss the game, how the Sharks were just off a touch all night on their zone exits, how the...

San Jose Sharks fans can sigh relief after the news of Macklin Celebrini's injury was deemed "not serious." Get caught up on the latest around Celebrini, why this was the best-case scenario, and why we most likely won't see Celebrini until the season opener. Next, get caught up on transactions, Scott Sabourin and Andrew Poturalski being waived and Colin White being assigned to the San Jose Barracuda. Then, a look at the forward lines at practice and which three players are fighting for the...

Macklin Celebrini left the San Jose Sharks' preseason loss to the Utah Hockey Club in the second period and did not return. What do we know, and is it time to cancel the season already? Start with why (optimistically) the hope is that it isn't a long-term injury and that the Sharks were protecting a young player from himself. Next, analyze William Eklund's best game of the preseason, the positive steps that Will Smith took tonight with Celebrini out of the lineup, and other positive games...

The San Jose Sharks made a series of roster moves as they approached their opening-night roster. Who is a lock to make the roster, and who still has work to do? The recent transactions include sending Quentin Musty and Sam Dickinson back to their respective junior teams. Consider whether it was the right decision for each player. Then, as the Sharks get closer to the start of the regular season, who has locked up their roster spots, including Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith? Finally, who...

Do the Seattle Kraken, Calgary Flames, Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks have any hope at all to make it back to the playoffs in 2024-25? In this Locked On NHL Season Preview Round Table, JD Young (Locked On Sharks), Erica L. Ayala (Locked On Kraken), Jess Belmosto (Locked On Flames) and Jason Hernandez (Locked On Ducks) set the table for the Pacific’s playoff hopefuls ahead of the new season. How many more years of pain must the Sharks endure now that they have Macklin Celebrini as the prize...

Heading into the second week of preseason games, which San Jose Sharks players have seen their stock rise and fall based on offseason expectations? Start with why Tyler Toffoli is shaping up to lead the team in goals based on his usage and playing with Macklin Celebrini and William Eklund. Also, discuss Danil Gushchin, Ty Dellandrea, and Carl Grundström, who have all taken advantage of their preseason opportunities. Then, move to the blue line to examine the rise of Luca Cagnoni and how the...

Without Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, the San Jose Sharks came from behind to win 3-2 in overtime versus the Anaheim Ducks, largely due to the efforts of Luca Cagnoni and Danil Gushchin. Has either player won an NHL job? Start with Cagnoni and why the AHL still makes sense for him to start, but he should earn NHL time this season. Then, Danil Gushchin continues to produce every time he is in the lineup. Has he claimed an NHL job out of camp? Also, discuss why Quentin Musty might be...

The San Jose Barracuda are entering their 10th season in the Bay Area, and it looks to be a crucial season for the Barracuda and the organization. The voice of the Barracuda, Nick Nollenberger, joins to preview the Barracuda season and if this is the year the Cuda can make the jump. We examine some of the big moves the Sharks/Barracuda made this offseason by bringing in Andrew Poturalski, Jimmy Schuldt, and Lucas Carlsson. We also analyze some of the young players who are expected to make an...

Will Smith made his (preseason) debut for the San Jose Sharks as they lost to the Anaheim Ducks 4-3. Start with an up-and-down night from Smith, who flashed his vision and passing ability but also showed some issues that he will need to continue to iron out. Also, touched on Alex Wennberg's debut and how he will fill Logan Couture's role and Carl Grundström's debut. Then, Filip Bystedt showed a lot in his preseason debut for San Jose and why he is primed to have a massive role with the San...