LAS VEGAS – The San Jose Sharks are changing the narrative around them, but it’s not completely changed yet.
The 4-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights was a reminder of both the Sharks’ progress this year,but also that they’re still not likely a playoff-caliber team just yet.san Jose fell behind 4-1 to Vegas on Saturday, as of errors forced and unforced, a familiar story in the recent Sharks-Golden Knights “rivalry”.”We shoot ourselves in the foot a couple of those goals against, for sure,” head coach Ryan Warsofsky saeid, perhaps referring to Colton Sissons and Mitch Marner’s strikes.
In the last six years that San Jose has been out of the playoffs, Vegas has used them as a piñata, going 22-1-3.
“Maybe in years past,maybe their mentality was well,it’s not our night,” Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy said.
But not these San Jose Sharks: Will Smith and William Eklund got Team Teal within a goal heading into the final frame.
“They’re certainly resilient tonight, and it shows in their last month and in their standings, they’re right in it,” Cassidy acknowledged.
The Sharks, after a 0-4-2 start to the season, are 12-7-1, and 9-5-1 in November, their first winning month since Nov. 2021’s 7-6-1.
but once again for San Jose, it was close but no cigar against Vegas, like it was on opening night, when the Sharks blew a late 3-2 lead, in part because of a pair of Alex Nedeljkovic puckhandling gaffes.
As the 2019 playoffs, the Golden Knights have now won a staggering 24 of their last 28 games against the Sharks. In the last seven seasons, they have just one regulation loss to their once-bitter rivals.
Of course, when you’ve missed the post-season for six-straight years, a lot of teams are dominating you. But perennial Cup contender and pacific Division giant Vegas seems very much like the biggest bully in the room that San Jose will have to knock out one day…just not today.
Ryan Warsofsky
warsofsky, on Will Smith’s puck determination:
Trending in the right direction, without a doubt. Thought he looked more cozy the last few games, driving some offense. I think it was definitely a step in the right direction
warsofsky, on Tyler Toffoli’s game:
He’s a goal scorer. It’s not like it’s his first time he’s been in a litt
Post-Game reactions: Nedeljkovic, Klingberg, and Cassidy Analyze Recent Performance
Here’s a breakdown of post-game comments from goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, defenseman John Klingberg, and coach Bruce Cassidy following a recent game, with analysis and context as of November 30, 2023.
Alex Nedeljkovic on Smith’s Shooting Tendencies
Nedeljkovic discussed his teammate’s shooting habits, noting a preference for passing. “Honestly, he loves to pass the puck, so I think when he shoots it, it’s a little bit of a surprise. He’s got a grate shot. So I wish he would shoot it more,” Nedeljkovic stated. He further elaborated on the difficulty of defending a shooter who is decisive. “He’s decisive with where he wants to go with it when he does decide to shoot. And sometimes that’s the hardest part is when a guy knows where he wants to go and he knows he can put it there, sometimes there’s not much doing in terms of stopping him.”
This observation highlights a potential area for offensive advancement within the team – encouraging a player with a strong shot to utilize it more frequently.A player who can effectively balance passing and shooting keeps opposing defenses guessing.
John Klingberg Reflects on a Goal Against and Recent Play
Klingberg analyzed a goal scored against the team by Colton Sissons, attributing it to a misread of the puck off the boards. “Orlov is shooting it and it goes in the boards,” Klingberg explained. “I’m just trying to get to the puck first, keep it in. I didn’t get a good read off the boards. I thought it was going to come to my forehand, but it came to my backhand.Then, the puck was spinning like crazy. I couldn’t settle it down and their guy is right on me.” He acknowledged the unfortunate bounce but also suggested a tactical adjustment. “Unfortunate bounce. But at the same time, maybe not get down there too fast, even if you want to keep the puck down, maybe stay back and see where the puck actually goes before you go.”
Klingberg also provided a self-assessment of his recent 5-on-5 performance. “I think it’s been better, but I think there’s a ways to go.” This indicates a commitment to improvement and a realistic evaluation of his current contribution.
Bruce cassidy on the San Jose Sharks’ Progress
Coach Bruce Cassidy praised the improvements made by the San Jose Sharks under their current leadership. He specifically highlighted their focus on defensive responsibility. “I’ll talk about the current regime there. I think they value keeping the puck out of their net a lot. I know Ryan a little bit. I used to coach his brother, so I met him a few times over the years, and I believe he’s really invested in that type of play.” He referenced san Jose’s coach, ryan Warsofsky. https://www.nhl.com/sharks/news/ryan-warsofsky-named-sharks-head-coach/c-347319966
Cassidy also noted the balance Warsofsky is striking between defensive structure and allowing offensive players to utilize their skills.”I also believe he knows that the offensive guys need breathing room. He’s allowed the young players to still play to their strengths, but I think he’s trying to hold his team accountable to a standard where, it’s not going to be 40 shots every night. We’re not going to just trade chances and hope for the better team that way…” He observed the Sharks’ resilience, contrasting it with potential past reactions to adversity.”Tonight, we opened it up a bit in the second. We’re able to extend the lead. They came right back. Maybe in years past, maybe their mentality was well, it’s not our night. They’re certainly resilient tonight, and it shows in their last month and in their standings, they’re right in it. They’re in the thick of it.” As of November 30, 2023, the San Jose Sharks are indeed competitive in the standings. https://www.nhl.com/standings
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