That’s right folks, hockey is back. Okay, so there was some hockey to watch last weekend when the rookie tournament kicked off. But this is when things get going for real. Tonight, the San Jose Sharks play the Vegas Golden Knights at SAP Center.
Let’s start off with the big news out of camp, the Sharks are leaving nothing to opening night and have already announced the team’s leadership group.
Logan Couture will continue to hold the title of Captain, though as we’ve discussed in previous posts, he’s injured and a timeline for return to NHL play is unknown at this point.
In Couture’s absence, there will be plenty of veteran leadership. The team says Luke Kunin, Mario Ferraro and Mikael Granlund will keep the alternate captain titles that they held last season. Also wearing an “A” for the Sharks will be new addition Tyler Toffoli and returnee Barclay Goodrow.
According to the Sharks, Ferraro will wear the “A” at all games while Goodrow and Toffoli will serve as alternates at home. On the road, Granlund and Kunin will serve as alternate captains.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have a terrific group of talented and high-character players to serve as our leadership group for the 2024-25 season, led by Logan Couture as our captain,” said Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky. “Each of these players bring unique qualities and characteristics that not only show leadership by example but that will also serve as an extension of our coaching staff.”
Players in tonight’s game
This will be the first time that Macklin Celebrini takes the ice at SAP in a teal uniform. He’s expected to play tonight as he gears up for his first professional season.
As is the case with most preseason games, we won’t see all of the Sharks who will be on the Opening Night, roster just as we won’t see all of the Golden Knights who will play for Vegas. Most of the players traveling to San Jose for Las Vegas are young guys looking for experience; we’re not expected to see any of the top players tonight.
Here are the guys taking the ice for Vegas:
As for the Sharks, San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng reports that Celebrini will center a line with Toffoli and Klim Kostin.
Here’s what the lines will likely look like according to Peng.
Forwards
William Eklund – Mikael Granlund – Collin Graf
Klim Kostin – Macklin Celebrini – Tyler Toffoli
Quentin Musty – Nico Sturm – Ty Dellandrea
Ethan Cardwell – Lucas Vanroboys – Givani Smith
Defense
Sam Dickinson – Cody Ceci
Mario Ferraro – Jack Thompson
Luca Cagnoni – Henry Thrun
Goaltenders
In goal, it looks like Mackenzie Blackwood and Georgi Romanov.
It would not be surprising to see them both get playing time during tonight’s game.
How to watch Knights at Sharks
The game is at SAP Center tonight and there are tickets still available so it’s well worth the trip if you have the time. Puck drop is at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.
Sharks fans can stream the game on the Sharks website. Or you can list on the Sharks Audio Network app.
And, of course, you can also join us at game time to talk about all things hockey.
Go Sharks!
