As if to prove that there is hope for the future of the Sharks, Thomas Bordeleau, William Eklund and Magnus Chrona helped power San Jose to a 2-1 post-trade deadline win over the Ottawa Sentors on Saturday. Admittedly, the Sens (28th in the league) aren’t comparable to the Vegas Golden Knights or the Boston Bruins, but it was a much needed win for members of the Sharks organization and the franchise’s fan base.
Friday’s bombshell of a trade of Tomas Hertl had placed the fans perhaps the furthest from a Stanley Cup than they have ever felt. It felt like the last light of hope for a potential future was smothered out by that stupid golden helmet. Saturday’s win served as aloe on the scorch marks of Friday’s trade. Sure, the burn is still there, but at least fans are soothed with the knowledge that there are successful pieces within the Sharks franchise, they just need time to develop.
Bordeleau making a case to stay
Bordeleau had perhaps his best game of his short NHL career. Looking at HockeyStatCards, you can see that he was the Sharks’ best player on the ice. Better than the vets.
#NHL GameScore Impact Card for San Jose Sharks on 2024-03-09:#SJSharks pic.twitter.com/160HxiZrPw
— HockeyStatCards (@hockeystatcards) March 10, 2024
His two goals on the power play certainly helped. Bordeleau wasn’t afraid to go into those greasy areas and cause chaos. His work in front of the net allowed for screened shots and deflections off of his body. It’s the kind of performance Sharks fans have missed in recent games.
Saturday was Bordeleau’s first career muti-point game. His second goal was his first career game-winning goal. It was also the second straight game that he scored a goal.
And he wasn’t the only young player to step up.
Magnus Chrona gets his first NHL win
Let’s not forget that on the back end holding down the fort was young Magnus Chrona, in his first year as a professional hockey player. Chrona earned his first NHL win in just his third official NHL start. He stopped 31 of 32 shots faced and had some doozy’s.
MAGNUS CHRONA 😳
— NHL (@NHL) March 10, 2024
📺: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/sEijvXhbA1 pic.twitter.com/PHc0CpAZLr
Chrona finished the night with a .969 save percentage and became the second youngest Sharks goalie (23 years and 194 days) to earn a win. Josef Korenar was 109 days younger than Chrona when he earned his first NHL win in a teal sweater.
The effort was there
It was clear from the moment of the puck drop that this was a game that the Sharks desperately needed to win, especially for the morale of the entire team. The sacrifice was impressive, even from players like Mike Hoffman, who has, at times, taken a shift or two off in a game.
Young Eklund was quick to make up for team mistakes. On a power play late in the second period, the puck was turned over in the Ottawa zone. The Senators looked to have a sure short-handed breakaway, but Eklund skated hard on the back check. He stick lifted the Ottawa player and caused just enough of a disruption that the puck skittered away to Bordeleau. It not only stopped a scoring chance but created one for the Sharks as well.
But perhaps the play that encompasses how well the Sharks played Saturday was Mikael Granlund laying his body on the line in the waning seconds of the third period to block that final slap shot. He was slow to get up, but his teammates were there to help him to his feet. Instead of waiting for players to come to the net and congratulate him, Chrona skated over to make sure that he went to Granlund first. What resulted was a giant group hug to celebrate what was a much-needed win for the Sharks.
Highlight of the night Ottawa Senators at San Jose Sharks March 9, 2024
Our highlight of the game has to go to Magnus Chrona. Yes, the save against Drake Batherson was impressive. Hopefully, it’s the first of many highlights that Chrona gives us. However, we’re going with the post-win hugs.
FIRST NHL WIN FOR MAGNUS CHRONA‼️ pic.twitter.com/SPvYd0YAAf
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 10, 2024
There’s nothing like watching a goalie celebrate a milestone win.
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