Sharks Face Senators Without Star Forward Granlund
In a surprising turn, the San Jose Sharks will take on the Ottawa Senators tonight without their leading scorer, Mikael Granlund, for the second consecutive game. The Finnish forward, a critical player for the Sharks this season, is sidelined with an upper-body injury.
Granlund’s Absence Leaves a Void
Granlund’s absence is a significant blow to the Sharks’ lineup. The 32-year-old has been on fire this season, racking up an impressive nine goals and 15 assists in just 23 games. His versatility and ice time, averaging over 21 minutes per game, make him a crucial component of the team’s strategy in all situations.
While Granlund did participate in the morning skate, Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky confirmed that the forward remains day-to-day. The exact nature and cause of the injury remain unclear, with speculation linking it to an elbow to the head from Dallas defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin in a recent game.
Sharks Adapt to the Challenge
Despite Granlund’s absence, the Sharks showed resilience in their recent 7-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. The team’s top lines have been reshuffled, with Macklin Celebrini centering the first line alongside William Eklund and Fabian Zetterlund. Alexander Wennberg, who has been on a hot streak with a team-leading three-game point streak, will anchor the second line.
Goalie Prospect Shows Promise
In other Sharks news, goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov recently completed a week-long stint with the NHL club. The 22-year-old impressed in his two games, posting a .927 save percentage. Coach Warsofsky praised Askarov’s performance but noted areas for improvement, particularly in puck handling.
Around the Pacific Division
The Sharks aren’t the only team in the Pacific Division dealing with lineup changes. The Vegas Golden Knights are set to welcome back forward William Karlsson and defenseman Alex Pietrangelo for their game against the Colorado Avalanche. Karlsson, who missed the start of the season with a lower-body injury, has been productive since his return, with goals and four assists in 13 games.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings have made some roster moves, recalling forward Samuel Helenius and defenseman Jacob Moverare from their AHL affiliate. These transactions are part of the Kings’ efforts to maximize their cap space.
Looking Ahead
As the Sharks continue their homestand, all eyes will be on how the team adapts without Granlund. The forward’s status for upcoming games remains uncertain, but fans and teammates alike will eagerly anticipate his return.
Granlund’s performance this season has made him a potential trade target with the trade deadline approaching. However, the Sharks will be hoping for a swift recovery to bolster their offensive output in the short term.
Tonight’s game against the Senators will test the Sharks’ depth and resilience. As the team looks to build on its recent success, it will need contributions from throughout the lineup to compensate for the absence of its leading scorer.