Quick Bites: Sharks making impressions

The San Jose Sharks loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 17 wasn’t the best showing by the team in teal, but there were some takeaways other than the score.

Filip Zadina stays hot

When it was announced that the Sharks acquired Filip Zadina during the offseason, fans and myself were excited to see what he could provide to the team. Well, three games in and he has made a strong impression with fans.

Zadina has scored two goals in three games since joining team teal. His goal against the Hurricanes came from a wrister on the powerplay in the second period.

Not only is he making an impression through his ability to get on the scoresheet, but he is making an impression through his defense of his teammates.

During the game, Tomas Hertl suffered a nasty hit from behind, which resulted in his head going against the boards. The refs did not call the penalty. Zadina gathered the fans’ respect when he went after Jalen Chatfield, the Carolina player who delivered the hit on Hertl.

Dang, you mad bro? pic.twitter.com/sc3HYAhxNh

— Bally Sports: Canes (@CanesOnBally) October 18, 2023

This did result in a penalty against Zadina for roughing, but he was making a point that he is not just here to get a “fresh start.” This, to me at least, shows that Zadina is invested in this team despite his one-year contract.

Sharks unable to finish strong

Like a broken record, we once again saw the Sharks able to keep up with the opposing team for a little bit. Similar to the first game of the season against Vegas, where the Sharks were able to stay in contention throughout the first half.

And in the game against Colorado, the Sharks had the game in the bag until the very last minute when Cale Makar tied it up. The Shaks lost in the shootout.

This game was no different as the Sharks had a 3-2 lead leading into the third period. That’s when the Sharks players not only stop putting their foots on the gas but they activated the emergency break while on the highway as they allowed four goals in eight minutes.

It is a real shame, as someone who didn’t watch the game would look at the scoreboard and think the Sharks just put in no effort whatsoever, which isn’t the case. Each game I get more and more excited about the future of this team, especially from the new young players looking for a fresh start.

Is Blackwood the real deal?

Speaking of players who are new to the team, young and looking for a fresh start, let’s talk about Mackenzie Blackwood.

The San Jose Sharks traded for Blackwood from New Jersey in exchange for a 2023 sixth-round pick. Looking back at it, this may be the biggest steal that General Manager Mike Grier has pulled off so far. Blackwood put up over 50 saves in his debut.

In his second straight start, Blackwood dropped to 36 saves out of 42 for a .857 save percentage. This includes the four goals in the third period, so let us look at the first two periods.

Blackwood had to stop 17 shots in the first period alone, with one save stopping a two-on-one where he nicked the puck off the shoulder. It resulted in thunderous applause from the fans, with some even giving a standing ovation.

Mackenzie Blackwood is back on his bullshit (in a good way) for the #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/KDs4UeIs9Q

— JD Young (@MyFryHole) October 18, 2023

In the second period, Blackwood stopped 11 shots, which is a gear lower than the Hurricanes presented in the first. Once again lots of quality saves from Blackwood, which would result in cheers loud enough for fans getting food or using the restroom to mistake it as a goal.

By the third period, Carolina put up 30 shots on net while the Sharks only had 11, yet the Sharks were in the lead 3-2 thanks to the difference maker in Blackwood.

Mackenzie Blackwood, holy moly! pic.twitter.com/CNn3yc0PUs

— JD Young (@MyFryHole) October 18, 2023

The third period is when it went all crashing down as 4 goals were scored on 12 shots in 8 minutes.

Blackwood showcased he can keep his team in contention, but it comes to a point where the goalie himself can not win a game, which is what happened here. Sloppy possessions would turn to turnovers which would result in goals.

I feel confident that as long as Blackwood is in the net, we can expect quality saves for the Sharks. The problem comes down to keeping the puck out of our zone.

Blackwood has put up 86 saves between the two games he has played in. It is no surprise that Head Coach David Quinn announced that Kahkonen would get the start the next game against Boston as Blackwood gets a much needed rest day.