Fireside Chats: Eric Lindquist

Eric Lindquist has been the play by play commentator for the Worcester Sharks the last three years, and currently assumes the duties of Director of Public Relations and Broadcasting. He also won the Showcase Showdown on the Price is Right, but Plank and TCY were unable to confirm if he kissed Bob Barker upon winning. Mr. Lindquist was nice enough to be our resource for all things related to the Worcester Sharks during last year’s run through the Calder Cup playoffs, and has returned to shed some light on the state of the San Jose Sharks‘ AHL affiliate in Massachusetts. You can catch Eric’s play by play for all Worcester’s games on WTAG AM 580, and visit the Worcester Sharks site for more info on the team. Enjoy.

With the big club currently having some issues in the defensive zone, we’re wondering how well Nick Petrecki is adapting to the professional game. Is he playing against opposing team’s top lines, or has Ray Sommer sheltered his minutes while he makes the transition?

Petrecki has played very well logging minutes in all situations and taking regular shifts. He is the only rookie defenseman to have dressed in all three games. Petrecki has a great physical presence on the ice, and received first fighting major against Michael Haley of Bridgeport on October 9th. He showed great emotion after the bout.

Jamie McGinn has been stuck in the AHL-NHL revolving door for most of his professional career. When do you think he finally sticks in the NHL, and what is his ceiling as an NHL player?

McGinn seems to be an all around player that can, and will, do everything to win.  He will stick up for his teammates and score that big goal when needed. He scored some big goals for us last season in the playoffs and regular season. McGinn has a positive attitude, and he’s still just 21 years old. This guy is a player.

Although it’s early, it looks as if the initial plan to rotate Sexmith and Statlock this season is in progress. Do you see that continuing, or does Roy Summer prefer to have a number one goalie? Who do you think is best suited to take over for the NHL club in the future?

It’s really too early to tell, but it looks like that both Stalock and Sexsmith will have their time to play substantial minutes in the AHL. Both goaltenders seemed poised in their professional debuts. We are really excited to watch these two guys develop here in Worcester.

Doug Wilson plans to use the “Worcester shuttle” a fair amount this season, and the hope is that it keeps those players hungry to work their way back up to the big club. When a player is recalled from the San Jose Sharks, do you notice a little extra gas in their legs?

The guys in Worcester get real excited with the amount of “shuffle” between Worcester and San Jose. They know that they are all just a real good stretch of games away from playing in the NHL.

Logan Couture has always been compared favorably to Joe Pavelski. Do you see similarities in their styles of play? We were impressed with Couture’s all around game in the preseason; is he ready to contribue at the NHL level, or do you see the need for more development?

Logan has great skill, speed and a great hockey sense. He was on the ice late when the Sharks were up by one in Lowell and the Devils had their goaltender pulled. Looks like he will be given a lot of responsibility this year.

What three players have impressed you the most in this young AHL season, and why?

First, Brandon Mashinter. He’s had two fights and three goals in three games. He’s versatile, too, playing minutes on the 4th and 1st lines. Brandon is a big physical forward with scoring touch. Second, John McCarthy. He’s played with Andrew Desjardins and Dan DaSilva on Worcester’s “3rd line”. Does the little things real well; he’s good in his own zone, and he competes real hard. Lastly, it’d be Daniel DaSilva. Dan has done it all: He’s on a three game point streak, has played the body real well, and has shown good energy early in games to set tone.

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Go Sharks.