The San Jose Sharks have lost their sixth straight game following the two-week break. On top of losing the two games back, they are also struggling more defensively during games. It also does not help that they are down another defenceman. They are currently sitting last in the league and have no momentum to move up the rankings.
Sharks Down Defenceman To Start Last Run Of Season
Defenc9eman Timothy Liljegren left Sunday’s game against the Calgary Flames in the second period and never returned. At this time he has missed Monday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets due to being evaluated. It is reported that he is battling an upper-body injury.
D Timothy Liljegren will not return to tonight’s game.
— San Jose Sharks PR (@SanJoseSharksPR) February 24, 2025
Liljegren was replaced in the lineup by veteran Marc-Edouard Vlasic until his return. Liljegren was traded by the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Sharks in late October. Since then he has played 44 games with four goals and five assists with an average of 18:04 of ice time. Vlasic however has been scratched the last four games with only eight appearances for the Sharks this season.
Liljegren has been decent for the Sharks since being traded. He has room to develop and needs to work on his defensive play in front of the net. His offensive skill is stronger and he has a quick release and solid passing which is needed on the Sharks. His absence has not affected the team drastically but still doesn’t help as they take their sixth straight loss.
Vlasic has been one of the top veteran players in the franchise. However, his return back to the line up has been limited and his skill has declined through the years and with injuries. His presence on the roster has provided leadership to the rookies but his time left on the roster is dwindling.
Sharks Defenceman Proves To Be Most Reliable On The Ice
Jake Walman has been the best defenceman for the team this season. He is currently the fifth top point scorer for the team with six goals and 24 assists. His ability to read plays, kill penalties and retrieve pucks back. He is the most reliable defenceman on the Sharks at this time. The games cannot be won with only one defenceman, something needs to change.
Cody Ceci was traded in early February. He was a top asset for the Sharks, becoming a force on the ice and playing hard. His trade has brought the team two draft picks to allow the Sharks to grow depth in their roster during this rebuild.
Sharks Rookies Making Fast Improvement While Being Called Up
Shakir Mukhamadullin has played in 15 games this season for the Sharks and has recorded two points. He has become one of the Shark’s top defensive prospects for the team and has replaced players when injured. The defenseman is one of the largest players on the team and can use his size to his benefit. He has the potential to help the team if he can get further experience with the Sharks.
That’s a special moment! ?
Shakir Mukhamadullin has scored his first NHL goal! pic.twitter.com/gVpXGZDpbk
— NHL (@NHL) December 28, 2024
Jack Thompson was traded to the Sharks by the Tampa Bay Lightning last spring. He has played in twenty games for the Sharks this season with two goals and three assists. He has the skills needed when it comes to taking shots on goal and being effective during power plays. Like Mukhamadullin, he needs more time and experience to develop his skills.
Sharks Struggle With Ferraro On The Ice
Rumours are circling whether Mario Ferraro will be traded before the deadline. Throughout his season he has played in 59 games with five goals and six assists. His time on the ice has not been positive or beneficial to the team. His line pairings have not been successful no matter the combinations head coach Ryan Warsofsky has tried.
He is the only defenceman to have allowed more goals to be scored while he is on the ice. The only combination that has proven to be potentially successful is with Liljegren, who is currently out for the time being. If Ferraro cannot find a connection with another linemate, his time with the team could be done.
Moving Forward For The Sharks
In the last two games following the break, the Sharks have scored first an held the lead for a significant length of time. Their ability to place pucks on the net is there, but their defensive game is lacking. The Sharks defensive players are in dire need of development and experience in order to become reliable on the ice.
Main Photo: Robert Edwards- Imagn Images
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