Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The San Jose Sharks are returning to Seattle for a rematch against the Kraken. In their last encounter at Climate Pledge Arena, the Sharks delivered a crushing 6-1 defeat to the Kraken, marking Seattle's sole home regulation loss of the season. This prior result brings added intensity as both teams gear up for the upcoming match.
During their previous meeting on November 5, rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini stood out, scoring one goal and assisting on two others. A first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Celebrini has been exceptional for the Sharks, accumulating 26 points from 10 goals and 16 assists in just 18 games. His performance will be critical for Seattle to monitor closely.
The Kraken’s goaltender, Joey Daccord, had a challenging outing, surrendering five goals on 20 shots and exiting the game early due to an upper-body injury. Since then, he has been sidelined, compelling Seattle to depend on veteran netminders Philipp Grubauer and Matt Murray.
In Daccord's absence, the Kraken managed a 2-1-1 record. Grubauer's performance on Thursday was commendable, making 23 saves in a come-from-behind 5-3 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. The Kraken displayed resilience, coming back from deficits three times, marking an improvement from previous struggles in scoring. This victory should boost their confidence heading into the rematch.
Captain Jordan Eberle emphasized the importance of solid defense for their upcoming game. He noted that the team has struggled to find the net, scoring just one goal in three of their last four contests, yet remains optimistic about creating scoring chances. Eberle contributed significantly in Thursday’s win, netting two goals in the final period, while defenseman Vince Dunn added a goal and two assists.
Kaapo Kakko scored his first goal of the season on Thursday, but unfortunately left with a lower-body injury and did not return. The second overall pick in 2019 had already faced setbacks this season due to a broken hand. Coach Lane Lambert expressed concern for Kakko, highlighting his growing confidence after the goal.
After defeating Seattle earlier this month, the Sharks enjoyed a four-game winning streak, which came to an end with a 2-0 setback against the Calgary Flames on Thursday. In that game, goalie Yaroslav Askarov made a commendable 34 saves, keeping it closer than anticipated. Coach Ryan Warsofsky mentioned that the team underperformed overall, with Askarov being the standout player.
The loss was unexpected, especially against a Calgary team sitting at the bottom of the NHL standings. Forward Tyler Toffoli voiced his frustration, acknowledging the team's lack of urgency and energy, traits pivotal for their earlier successes this season. He admitted that Calgary played harder and the Sharks were caught unprepared.
Adding to their woes, forward Jeff Skinner exited Thursday’s match early with a lower-body injury. Coach Warsofsky confirmed Skinner will miss Saturday’s game as evaluations continue, potentially impacting the Sharks’ forward lineup for the rematch.
As both teams head into Saturday’s clash with injuries and momentum shifts, the Kraken seek redemption for their earlier loss, while the Sharks aim to bounce back after a disappointing defeat. With Celebrini showcasing his skills and the Kraken pressing on without Daccord, this matchup is poised to be crucial for both teams.
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