I feel like this game really highlighted the huge difference in overall current skill level and experience. As the Sharks stand right now it feels like either the other team has to underestimate the Sharks or just have a bad game for us to look good. Our effort was good, but with the shuffling of the lines it seemed like no one had much chemistry with anyone else. Missing Walman and Eklund was surely noticeable. Celebrini was pressing the whole game, taking low percentage shots that were easily visible because he didn't seem to have any other viable options. I am cautiously pessimistic when looking at Smith's development right now. I see the flashes of offensive talent, but at this point he shows no current grit or willingness to compete at all when it comes to one on one battles if an opposing player is facing him. Sometimes he can make a good sneaky play as he did against Hughes, but it is rare. The reason I bring this up for such a young player is that eventually, to succeed in a playoff environment, everyone must do their part in all aspects of the game. He has a good three years to develop and let his game evolve, so it is not imperative that it happen now, but if he doesn't get more involved over that time, we've got a problem. Hopefully he can take a few hits while competing and survive without breaking to know that he's not made of glass and will gain confidence. Askarov is a wildcard for me. I'm hoping his overall positive attitude can carry him through the tough games that will happen over the course of the year. While his talent is obvious, I think at times he is out of position slightly (see the first goal tonight). Also, he probably should have saved one of the goals that he saw cleanly, maybe this is the lack of focus/maturity showing through.
I was worried about this for Smith at first as well, but I think he has been more engaged recently. Obviously not quite like Celebrini, like if the Sharks were to somehow make the playoffs this year, I don’t think Smith would have much success there unlike Celebrini, but as you say there is time to cook here over the next few years. I mentioned in my rookie update video, a lot of Smith’s issues right now will improve as he gets stronger, which will hopefully be an offseason target for him.
Great job, Professor Hockey. I'm here in Hawaii and don't have time to catch the games. Great to get your show when winding down for the night. Don't mind the losses. Looking forward to another high draft pick or two.
I actually didn’t mind the line combos too much but after watching the game I kinda think Toffoli should take a step down; maybe even a swap with Smith. Sometimes it just feels like he’s not an aggressive enough player to match Celebrinis pace and I feel like smith and him could have some really good chemistry. The only real issue I have with tonight’s game was the over passing. Saw it a bit last game too. Just too cute on some plays, Drew says it all the time. SIMPLIFY. It’s been a tough few weeks but the sharks are gonna break through with some wins soon. Anyways have a good Christmas break man! 🎄
I can see that with Toffoli, hes not the most in your face player on the team and maybe that is something you want out of a player when playing with Celebrini. Yeah the overpassing was a bit much early in this one, like I mentioned the message going into the third was very clearly shoot the puck more. Happy holidays!
You have a more positive outlook on Zetterlund than I did. There were a couple of really terrible decisions defensively by Zetterlund that put him in the doghouse for me. These were times he had the puck in the DZ and instead of moving his feet to get the puck and get it out, he was slow, almost seemed dazed looking at the puck and went to pick it up and easily gave it away. Weird moments of mental lapses in this game.
This was a game where I felt if the 3rd period had five more minutes, the Sharks would have tied it up. My Canucks did what they often do - took their foot off the gas in the third when they had a lead. The good news for us was Pettersson's two goals (first time since March) but I have been quietly impressed with Kunin recently. He's been scoring a bit lately and again tonight.
I think Kostin-Wennberg-Smith needs happen once Kostin is healthy. Kostin and Smith seem to gel pretty well. Also need to encourage Smith to play the body more. He’ll be good though.
I think they’ll try to, but he is a UFA at the end of this year so he’s got options, especially with how he’s playing right now. Definitely don’t want to get into some crazy bidding war and overspend though.
I don't have time to watch the whole video but just wanted to say, damn did that second period feel rigged. Ive been watching for nearly 20 years so i know calls sometimes dont go your way, but after that review i just said screw it. I'm glad they fought back though
Wow. I completely disagree on Thrun. He was flat out awful. He might be the worst in NHL history at clearing attempts. He was also late on the Sherwood goal which resulted in a clean shot. I definitely thought he “tried” to play more confident and quicker but he’s just not an NHL defenseman IMO. More of a depth guy. Pretty disappointing outcome when the original hype was potentially a solid 4D. Nope, not even close. Thrun on a 1st pair w/ clumsy Ceci is flat out comedy. Ferraro and Liljegren were indeed worse tonight though, that I agree with. I’d actually rather watch Liljegren w/ someone else than watch them laughably scratch him and continue to ignore Ferraro’s fairly constant terrible play. W/ Vlasic practicing and Mukhamudullin up you definitely have options provided Walman is ready to go after the break. Personally id like to see maybe a Vlasic/Lilly 3rd pairing and Mukhamudullin/Ruuta on the 2nd. There’s really zero excuse to not scratch Ferraro after that disaster class. If they do not, after they give all these benchings and demotions to everyone else for singular mistakes in a game….well then, we know for sure that Barfosky is just a clown coach in the Boughner tier. Also slightly disagree on Tofffoli. He did have some nice entries, but this is like the 5th game in a row he has failed to pot multiple Grade A’s. He’s also had some crucial fumbles on threaded passes. I actually do not like him on a Celebrini line. Celebrini is instant rush offense and Toffoli is a half court player at this point in his career. And it’s not as if they are lighting it up in the half court either. I do completely agree that I was not shocked at all that the challenge didn’t work. I completely disagreed w/ Remenda and thought it had no shot of getting overturned, and I thought it was a horrific decision by Barfosky when your team was reeling and has had a suspect PK as of late. Then hilariously it also created the 5 on 3 as Ferraro took that comedic penalty on a god damn entry where he’s cluelessly late and out of position as usual. I actually have no idea why either him or Ceci are on the PK, when PK’s lend themselves to quick, anticipatory players, not low IQ slogs who wouldn’t know a quick decision if it hit them in the arse. Overall, this team will be drafting top 3 again. This blue line is just peak comedy. Lot of work to do for the front office to even get this group to a “competent” level. I did like Mukhamudullin’s game tonight, so there’s that. Merry Christmas to everyone except Ryan Barfosky.
Agree with a lot said here, I’ve been rather unimpressed by Shakir… I feel like everytime I watch him, he is out of position but hey, that’s 99% of the time with the sharks defense this year. We need to get some solid d to help Askarov out because if we keep doing this his confidence will go down.
I can see what you are saying about Thrun, as I mentioned he is easily pressured by opposing forecheckers and relies heavily on high glass clears to get the puck out. I’m not ready to fully give up on him yet though, I think he just needs to get a little smarter and quicker mentally. Ferraro would definitely be my choice for healthy scratch in the next game, but as we know that won’t happen so…hopefully whoever does get the axe, it’s not Mukh.
All I want for Christmas is Matthew Schaefer
I feel like this game really highlighted the huge difference in overall current skill level and experience. As the Sharks stand right now it feels like either the other team has to underestimate the Sharks or just have a bad game for us to look good. Our effort was good, but with the shuffling of the lines it seemed like no one had much chemistry with anyone else. Missing Walman and Eklund was surely noticeable. Celebrini was pressing the whole game, taking low percentage shots that were easily visible because he didn't seem to have any other viable options. I am cautiously pessimistic when looking at Smith's development right now. I see the flashes of offensive talent, but at this point he shows no current grit or willingness to compete at all when it comes to one on one battles if an opposing player is facing him. Sometimes he can make a good sneaky play as he did against Hughes, but it is rare. The reason I bring this up for such a young player is that eventually, to succeed in a playoff environment, everyone must do their part in all aspects of the game. He has a good three years to develop and let his game evolve, so it is not imperative that it happen now, but if he doesn't get more involved over that time, we've got a problem. Hopefully he can take a few hits while competing and survive without breaking to know that he's not made of glass and will gain confidence. Askarov is a wildcard for me. I'm hoping his overall positive attitude can carry him through the tough games that will happen over the course of the year. While his talent is obvious, I think at times he is out of position slightly (see the first goal tonight). Also, he probably should have saved one of the goals that he saw cleanly, maybe this is the lack of focus/maturity showing through.
I was worried about this for Smith at first as well, but I think he has been more engaged recently. Obviously not quite like Celebrini, like if the Sharks were to somehow make the playoffs this year, I don’t think Smith would have much success there unlike Celebrini, but as you say there is time to cook here over the next few years. I mentioned in my rookie update video, a lot of Smith’s issues right now will improve as he gets stronger, which will hopefully be an offseason target for him.
Happy Holidays, Prof! The only item on my wish list to Santa is a Sharks line of Celebrini centering Smith and Kovalenko...
That would be a fun one, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it at some point
Great job, Professor Hockey. I'm here in Hawaii and don't have time to catch the games. Great to get your show when winding down for the night. Don't mind the losses. Looking forward to another high draft pick or two.
Oh wow Hawaii, that’s cool to hear! It’s definitely looking like another high pick year right now
Happy holidays, Professor!
Happy holidays!
I actually didn’t mind the line combos too much but after watching the game I kinda think Toffoli should take a step down; maybe even a swap with Smith. Sometimes it just feels like he’s not an aggressive enough player to match Celebrinis pace and I feel like smith and him could have some really good chemistry.
The only real issue I have with tonight’s game was the over passing. Saw it a bit last game too. Just too cute on some plays, Drew says it all the time. SIMPLIFY.
It’s been a tough few weeks but the sharks are gonna break through with some wins soon.
Anyways have a good Christmas break man! 🎄
I can see that with Toffoli, hes not the most in your face player on the team and maybe that is something you want out of a player when playing with Celebrini.
Yeah the overpassing was a bit much early in this one, like I mentioned the message going into the third was very clearly shoot the puck more. Happy holidays!
You have a more positive outlook on Zetterlund than I did. There were a couple of really terrible decisions defensively by Zetterlund that put him in the doghouse for me. These were times he had the puck in the DZ and instead of moving his feet to get the puck and get it out, he was slow, almost seemed dazed looking at the puck and went to pick it up and easily gave it away. Weird moments of mental lapses in this game.
I do recall one shift where he did exactly as you say, so yeah definitely far from perfect, but I liked his energy. Also nice play on the Ceci goal.
This was a game where I felt if the 3rd period had five more minutes, the Sharks would have tied it up. My Canucks did what they often do - took their foot off the gas in the third when they had a lead. The good news for us was Pettersson's two goals (first time since March) but I have been quietly impressed with Kunin recently. He's been scoring a bit lately and again tonight.
At least you’ve got Hughes, he’s crazy good.
@@professorhockey Hughes is like two deviations above our next best defenseman historically. Hughes is an absolute treasure.
I think Kostin-Wennberg-Smith needs happen once Kostin is healthy. Kostin and Smith seem to gel pretty well. Also need to encourage Smith to play the body more. He’ll be good though.
Maybe coach watched your last video and heard you talk about goodrow lol
Agree with you on which line #23 belongs.
He needs to take a seat and watch a few games unless he wants to lead the league in turnovers converted to goals against.
Do you think Kunin will be resigned?
I think they’ll try to, but he is a UFA at the end of this year so he’s got options, especially with how he’s playing right now. Definitely don’t want to get into some crazy bidding war and overspend though.
Picking a fight with Worsofsky?
Just a difference of opinions sometimes haha
Macklin will learn to slow it down and avoid turnovers. Never seen a motor that he owns:
Muk had a very rough game
I didn't think so, I liked a lot of his game from the perspective of a young player at least.
I don't have time to watch the whole video but just wanted to say, damn did that second period feel rigged. Ive been watching for nearly 20 years so i know calls sometimes dont go your way, but after that review i just said screw it. I'm glad they fought back though
I think it could have gone either way, I’m not too upset about it
Wow. I completely disagree on Thrun. He was flat out awful. He might be the worst in NHL history at clearing attempts. He was also late on the Sherwood goal which resulted in a clean shot. I definitely thought he “tried” to play more confident and quicker but he’s just not an NHL defenseman IMO. More of a depth guy. Pretty disappointing outcome when the original hype was potentially a solid 4D. Nope, not even close. Thrun on a 1st pair w/ clumsy Ceci is flat out comedy.
Ferraro and Liljegren were indeed worse tonight though, that I agree with. I’d actually rather watch Liljegren w/ someone else than watch them laughably scratch him and continue to ignore Ferraro’s fairly constant terrible play. W/ Vlasic practicing and Mukhamudullin up you definitely have options provided Walman is ready to go after the break. Personally id like to see maybe a Vlasic/Lilly 3rd pairing and Mukhamudullin/Ruuta on the 2nd. There’s really zero excuse to not scratch Ferraro after that disaster class. If they do not, after they give all these benchings and demotions to everyone else for singular mistakes in a game….well then, we know for sure that Barfosky is just a clown coach in the Boughner tier.
Also slightly disagree on Tofffoli. He did have some nice entries, but this is like the 5th game in a row he has failed to pot multiple Grade A’s. He’s also had some crucial fumbles on threaded passes. I actually do not like him on a Celebrini line. Celebrini is instant rush offense and Toffoli is a half court player at this point in his career. And it’s not as if they are lighting it up in the half court either.
I do completely agree that I was not shocked at all that the challenge didn’t work. I completely disagreed w/ Remenda and thought it had no shot of getting overturned, and I thought it was a horrific decision by Barfosky when your team was reeling and has had a suspect PK as of late. Then hilariously it also created the 5 on 3 as Ferraro took that comedic penalty on a god damn entry where he’s cluelessly late and out of position as usual. I actually have no idea why either him or Ceci are on the PK, when PK’s lend themselves to quick, anticipatory players, not low IQ slogs who wouldn’t know a quick decision if it hit them in the arse.
Overall, this team will be drafting top 3 again. This blue line is just peak comedy. Lot of work to do for the front office to even get this group to a “competent” level. I did like Mukhamudullin’s game tonight, so there’s that.
Merry Christmas to everyone except Ryan Barfosky.
Agree with a lot said here, I’ve been rather unimpressed by Shakir… I feel like everytime I watch him, he is out of position but hey, that’s 99% of the time with the sharks defense this year. We need to get some solid d to help Askarov out because if we keep doing this his confidence will go down.
I can see what you are saying about Thrun, as I mentioned he is easily pressured by opposing forecheckers and relies heavily on high glass clears to get the puck out. I’m not ready to fully give up on him yet though, I think he just needs to get a little smarter and quicker mentally.
Ferraro would definitely be my choice for healthy scratch in the next game, but as we know that won’t happen so…hopefully whoever does get the axe, it’s not Mukh.