Are The San Jose Sharks Laying The Foundation For A Macklin Celebrini And Will Smith Line?
The San Jose Sharks are at a pivotal moment, with young stars Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith poised to potentially transform the team’s offensive capabilities. As the Sharks continue to grapple with scoring challenges, the integration of these promising prospects into the lineup could be a crucial step forward. This episode explores the potential impact of a Celebrini-Smith line, examining how their combined skills might address the team’s need for more firepower and invigorate their offensive strategy.
In goal, Mackenzie Blackwood has been a standout performer, delivering an impressive 32 saves on 35 shots. His ability to make critical saves, particularly during a challenging first period, underscores his vital role in the Sharks’ defense. As the team seeks to build momentum, Blackwood’s consistency and resilience will be key assets.
The Sharks also face the challenge of Nico Sturm’s injury, which could necessitate call-ups from the AHL. We explore the potential candidates, such as Collin Graf, Thomas Bordeleau, and Ethan Cardwell, and discuss what each could contribute if brought into the lineup. Their readiness to step up could be essential as the Sharks navigate this setback.
The Rangers’ dominance in the second period highlighted areas where the Sharks need improvement, as they were significantly outshot and outchanced. This episode delves into these challenges, considering strategic adjustments that could help the Sharks regain control in future games.
Join us for an in-depth discussion on the Sharks’ evolving strategies, player dynamics, and the potential impact of their young stars. We’ll explore how these elements could shape the team’s future and what fans can expect as the season progresses. Listen now for exclusive insights and expert analysis on the Sharks’ journey.
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5 comments
I know Liljigren got a goal but man does no one on the blue line like to shoot the puck?!
Smith is a good soldier. But I really hope they take him off that 3rd line.
Somebody mentioned Smith not being physical, but what is more concerning is I don't see much speed from him. I've only seen some of his highlights so maybe that's just not his style, but seeing Celebrini carry the puck into the zone like that and not seeing it from Smith is a little alarming. I like him when he is in the zone, but just haven't seen true speed yet.
Was at the game tonight, had great seats that enabled me to see Macklin and Will talking a lot more on the pre face off, it not only was cool to be 6 rows away from, but it was encouraging to see the great habits forming between our 2 most talented players
If the Sharks get the 1st overall pick this year, would they possibly consider trading down to the #2 pick to target Martone?
Hagens is 5’10”. If they get Hagens, that would mean their top 4 prospects (Celebrini, Smith, Eklund, Hagens) are all under 6’.
That would make their future top 2 lines very undersized compared to other teams’ top 2 lines they’d be playing against every night. Which isn’t too big a deal considering the talent those 4 guys bring.
BUT , I think Porter Martone at 2nd overall, and at 6’3” 190+ lbs at 17 yrs old (oh AND he’s a right shot RW), is EXACTLY the kind of player they need to draft this next draft. He would fit in beautifully with the two 6’ centers, Celebrini & Smith, and the 5’10” left shot LW Eklund, and with the 6’2” left shot LW Musty.
Hagens is 5’10” and a left shot center. We kind of have a lot of center prospects already, and we have a LOT of left shot centers and left shot LW’s. Martone being a right shot and a future top line RW, and being 6’3” at 17 yrs old with room to grow, he seems like the better fit over Hagens for who we already have in our young talent pool.
And, trading the #1 overall pick would bring back a lot of value, even just moving one pick down.
Hypothetically (obviously), IF we get the #1 pick, would they even consider that? Or is that a non-starter?
I’m kind of hoping we get the 2nd overall pick so that Grier gets kind of forced into taking Martone this draft. We need a top line, right shot, RW, power forward who’s 6’3” or bigger to fit perfectly with a future Celebrini-Smith-Eklund-Musty mix of a 1st and/or 2nd line.
If we get Hagens, 4 of our top 6 skaters will be 5’10” and 6’. Not ideal, even given the talent. (And I’m usually a talent over size kinda guy too.. but you do need a little size on at least a couple of your top 6 guys. Martone has the size AND the talent. He’s the perfect power forward RW we need for the current top 3 guys we have right now).