Deep Blue Sea: So long All-Star Game, hello Olympics

With the All-Star break firmly behind us, the Sharks are on the road and ready to grind.

But the wake of the ASG leads into preparation for the Olympics, and that’s a wound that’s still fresh. Players expressed disappointment all weekend over missing PyeongChang and it may only be just the beginning. As the event comes closer, we’ll be hearing from more of these players, and rightfully so.

We’ll also be hearing from John McCarthy, the unexpected Olympian. He’s got an incredible opportunity and it sounds like he plans to make the most of it.

Read more about him, as well as additional Sharks news and notes, below:

• John McCarthy Honored to Wear Red, White and Blue in PyeongChang
  McCarthy’s no stranger to winning. He led the Barracuda to the AHL’s Pacific Division title in 2017 — and a deep run in the Calder Cup playoffs after that — and captured an NCAA crown at Boston University in 2009. A gold medal in PyeongChang would be even sweeter.
• NHL Backup Goalies Earning Their Payday
  This year’s goalie class may change all of that. Pending free agents Aaron Dell (San Jose Sharks), Anton Khudobin (Boston Bruins), Jonathan Bernier (Colorado Avalanche) and Carter Hutton (St. Louis Blues) are all performing like number ones despite their “backup” label.
• A Win For the City of San Jose - 98.5 KFOX
  The radio voice of our San Jose Sharks, Dan Rusanowsky, in the photo with me and joining me here to consider a HUGE win for our city!
• Thornton, Tavares and the Sharks approach to trade deadline
  The Sharks have the cap space to make a run at New York Islanders superstar John Tavares at the trade deadline.
• Eric Stephens’ NHL power rankings (Jan. 29, 2018) – Redlands Daily Facts
  8. Sharks (26-15-7). Logan Couture, Joe Pavelski and Co. will really have to lead the way as Joe Thornton needed right MCL surgery and is out “multiple weeks” according to GM Doug Wilson. (previously 7)

And around the league:

• Trouba joins Jets list of walking wounded | Winnipeg Sun
  The depth of the Winnipeg Jets’ defence corps is about to face its stiffest test of the season.As the Jets get set to return from the all-star break, a source confirmed the Jets will be without blueliner Jacob Trouba for an extended period of time because of an ankle injury.
• NHL: Central Division is one no team wants to be in
  Players see the Central Division race playing out like a horror movie in which it’s hard to predict who is going to be left standing.
• Trade rumors follow Mike Green to NHL All-Star Game with Capitals a possible landing spot - The Washington Post
  Mike Green's contract expires this summer, making it likely he will be on the move at the upcoming trade deadline.
• NHL could place time limit on official video reviews - Sportsnet.ca
  The NHL could be placing time limitations on referees when reviewing plays in the future.
• Sidney Crosby defends NHL’s perplexing interference rule | New York Post
  TAMPA, Fla., — Sidney Crosby is a league man, through and through.
• The Penguins star and the best player of his generation defended the NHL and the flawed...
• For N.H.L. Stars, the Olympics Remain a ‘What if?’ - The New York Times
  Many N.H.L. players are still bitter about not being allowed to play in the Pyeongchang Games, and it is only starting to give way to national pride and curiosity for some.
• NHL - Olympic men's hockey FAQ - No NHL players in Pyeongchang, but plenty of intrigue
  Why aren't NHL players competing in the 2018 Games? Does the U.S. have any shot without them? Who is the favorite to win gold? Here's a handy primer of everything you need to know about Olympic men's hockey but were afraid to ask.
• The Olympics Corner: The loss of the NHL for men's hockey | The Dartmouth
  With the 2018 Winter Olympics kicking off in 11 days, athletes around the world are preparing to travel to Pyeongchang, South Korea for the experience of a lifetime.