After a rough start to December, the Carolina Hurricanes continue their campaign against the San Jose Sharks this evening. After a brief stop on Long Island to face the Islanders, the Canes will be home for the next four games. Having lost their first 2 out of 3 games this month, Carolina will have a good chance to rebound against the worst team in the league.
A scare on Long Island for Pyotr Kochetkov reinjuring himself, he bounced back with a strong enough performance against Colorado to give his team a chance to win. Expected to be back in between the pipes, Kochetkov will look to get in a groove and head into the new year at top form.
The opposition tonight is in what you would call a rebuilding year. Having the first overall pick in last summer's draft, the Sharks selected Macklin Celebrini out of Boston University. The organization is building around the youngster and signing bridge contracts for veterans in need of playing time. Projected to have another strong draft choice this upcoming draft, the Sharks will look to develop the younger players while taking some lumps.
Celebrini has had a solid start with 8 goals and 15 points. Mikael Granlund is having an incredible season, his second in San Jose and the final year of his contract. Granlund leads the Sharks with 10 goals and 30 points. Fellow veteran, Tyler Toffoli leads the team in goals with 11 after signing this summer.
William Eklund continues to take strides after being drafted in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft. His 23 points have him second in scoring behind Granlund. On defense, Jake Walman is the only scoring threat with 4 goals and 20 points.
The Sharks do have some significant injuries currently with their captain Logan Couture on the IR, along with newcomer Barclay Goodrow and blue-line stalwart, Marc-Edouard Vlasic on the shelf.
Goaltending has been an interesting position for San Jose as they recently traded starting goalie, Mackenzie Blackwood, to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for goaltender Alexandar Georgiev. Blackwood had the majority of starts this season with 19. Vitek Vanacek has 12 starts and a 3.90 GAA, which will open the door for touted prospect, Yaroslav Askarav, acquired this fall from the Nashville Predators or Georgiev will take the majority of the starts.
The Sharks have speed that will make this a fast paced contest but the structure and skill of the Canes should prevail.