When Smith gets some scoring help on that 3rd line, watch out! He received a rare nice pass from Kunin and he buried it. Imagine if he had Granlund or Eklund feeding him passes.
I have watched almost every game Will Smith has played since he was drafted by the Sharks and he is certainly someone for whom confidence matters a lot. You could see after the first goal that he just suddenly looked so much better. He won a couple board battles, set up a couple nice paces, and generally played with more pace. Definitely keep him in and build on a great game, I think we'll be rewarded. When Mack gets back, I would drop him onto the second line with Zetterlund and move Wennberg to Smith's wing.
Third period aside I feel like the sharks have just had so much more jump since they got their first win. Guys are attacking the puck carrier, applying pressure on the back check and forecheck and just generally moving with more purpose. It’s been really nice to see. Also super happy to see Smith finally get on the score sheet. He’s definitely been heating up and I swear you can see an immediate change in his play when he got that first goal. Way more confidence and better play for the rest of the night. Kids got a wicked shot so I’d really like to see him stop trying to force complicated passes and just put pucks on net. Great review as always. Let see if they can keep it rolling on Saturday.
Smith was definitely noticeable off the puck after the 1st one went in. I didn’t know his shot was that good…he’s got some serious offensive potential. Still might be a wing long term but I remain high on him as a future PPG player. Maybe even a tick more
Great video Professor! Love watching your content. Just wanted to add that I think the development days are partially for conditioning and also just to ease our top 2 prospects into the nhl. It’s a long season and pushing them straight into top 6 minutes risks injuries. Even if they wait 3-4 days between games I dont think it makes a difference for the players
I thought overall all players played pretty good tonight. No obvious carcass being dragged by the team. Also that 4th line is playing night and day better with Smith and Kostin out and Cardwell/ Grundstrom in. They actually have energy and look hungry to move the puck or get it back. A solid 4th line can very often be the difference maker.
Will Smith ooga booga! I nearly spat out my drink! That was so unexpected lmao. I'm happy for the boys to finally get some points and some good vibes in the locker room. I don't want Celebrini coming back to that Community meme where Troy brings pizza for the crew and everything is on fire.
Hey Professor, Ooga booga? The Medusa of the Sharks? hahaha Professor you were in fine form tonight. I would have expected you to be happier with a 3 game win streak? Did someone kick your dog? hahaha Very strong video man. You made me crack up with those two impassioned phrases though. Top shelf comments all the way man. hahaha I totally agree with you about Smith though. Whatever the plan called for he needs to stay in the line up to see if he can build on that success he experienced last night. Those two shots were really impressive. His wrist shot seems to get on top of the goalie pretty quick. Both of them just seemed to surprise the goalie and limit his reaction time. I was almost moved to tears seeing Smith have his long anticipated moment and then to back it up with another was perfect. I really loved seeing how protective Cunin and Barkley were on the two occasions that Chicago got physical with Smith. You will recall how concerned I was about he and Maclin and for that matter Eklund getting roughed up by bigger, older players. I thought Wennberg and his line-mates put a decent nights work in as well. Being legally blind I often can't see that much of the game so it is entirely probable that I missed portions of the second line's game and specifically Gushin's game. I thought he and Zetterland did pretty well but, I thought Wenberg was very solid and reliable. I am really happy for Cardwell and I think he has added a much needed element to that 4th line. He has a bit of skill and finish in his game that the other two on that line desperately need. I love the effort they are playing with right now and it looks like there is some chemistry there. I know this is a Sharks show but, I can't pass on the opportunity to mention Marc Eduard's cousin. He looks like he is rounding into a fine NHL defensemen. He is tough to play against. 3 in the net, pizza you get...or is it tacos these days? hahaha I imagine next it will be mac and cheese? Ooga booga...that's the best man. hahaha Pete Clovis, CA
I thought our second line was our worst last night sadly, I think gushchin won't get too many more opportunities on a top line he needs to have some luck and get some points
I feel like the only reason Ruta is still in the lineup is for A) A veteran presence. But more importantly B) to increase his trade value. Similarly to what they tried to do with Hoffman last year.
@ I mean if you’re Mike Grier/coaching staff you have two options. Either scratch Ruta (which I think if you take him out he probably wont be able to work his way back in) and completely remove any value potential he has, or play him and try and get a third for him at the deadline. Wins and losses dont really matter right now and he is a mentor figure, so I think he would have to suck a lot for a long time before he gets taken out. But I would definitely agree he belongs on the third parring.
This is likely what the Sharks will do yeah, it’s just unfortunate that two or Thrun, Thompson and Mukhamadullin will miss out on time because of it, at least right now.
@ Agreed. The slight silver lining to this and that less spots for younger players means more competition. Which will push Thompson, Muka, and Liljegren to play their absolute best to work into the lineup. Right now it feels like even though there is plenty of competition amongst offensive prospects, there is very little for the defensive ones and certain players are just in the lineup by default. Adding some competition there will be good for their development and unless your last name is Makar, younger D men tend to be very inconsistent and struggle physically. So when Thrun or Thompson are in a rut you can sub them out without worry. Its just so nice they are winning games without Celebrini. Takes a ton of pressure off of him in his return.
I thought Toffoli was actually the worse forward tonight (or maybe goodrow). It seemed like 5+ times he wouldn’t catch a pass cleanly (donato goal) leading to a loss of possession. He also caused a few of the icings in the 3rd with really poor breakouts. It seemed like an overwhelming majority of the offensive zone chances for 1st line died on his stick.
There were absolutely moments tonight where it felt as though Toffoli was fighting the puck a little bit, so I can see why those gaffes would stick out for you.
Barracuda have a few point a game players, but they probably still need to learn to be defensively responsible. Bordeleau on Smiths wing, or Bordeleau on second line, Guschin with Smith.
Yeah I actually watched the Cuda game on Wednesday that Bordeleau played, he had some jump but looked like he might need a bit more time before he comes back up.
apparently it's a hip injury he'd got during training camp and played through opening night. sharks org probably not willing to let him back in feeling anything less than 110%
Ferraro remains a disaster, and I feel like I’m the only one who hates him more than Rutta. I think it’s because Ferraro is actually mobile and should have made some strides in literally ANY category by now. But all he can do is block shots. Pathetic. Trade this clown for a Cracker Jack box already.
He’d look a lot better if there was a puck moving defenseman paired with him like Ceci only looks good because Walman can move the puck hopefully when liljegren gets here they pair him with Mario and he picks things up
@ That’s sort of true but I reject the premise kinda. We’ve seen puck moving dynamos like Karlsson make AHL caliber slugs like Megna look “cromulent” but Ferraro does not play a steady game like a Megna type, he’s frantic and plays out of control. Even tonight we see him get beat net front because he’s out of position, late, and he STILL does not even know how to tie up a stick. I would not even hate the guy if he showed any semblance of fundamental d-zone play. Think that’s why I’m “okay” w/ Rutta. Even if he’s a pylon at this point in his career he can tie up sticks and he’s positionally pretty sound. He just reallllly struggles in transition now.
I can sort of see that, where one might dislike Ferraro more because it seems like he should be better than he is. I do think we should give him a chance with Liljegren though, it could help him out quite a bit.
I have a hard time ragging on Ferraro, he joined the team at its worst and has always had to punch above his weight. Probably a tough environment to make strides in. And as far as only being able to block shots, yea.. he's spent his whole career so far playing in his own end, that's not entirely his fault.
You and hockey psychology might be the best hockey channels out there. Keep it up, go sharks!
He’s got some pretty high quality videos from what I’ve seen, so it’s nice to be included in that haha.
When Smith gets some scoring help on that 3rd line, watch out! He received a rare nice pass from Kunin and he buried it. Imagine if he had Granlund or Eklund feeding him passes.
Best Sharks channel. Talks fast, no filler, quality analysis. Keep it up Prof
I have watched almost every game Will Smith has played since he was drafted by the Sharks and he is certainly someone for whom confidence matters a lot. You could see after the first goal that he just suddenly looked so much better. He won a couple board battles, set up a couple nice paces, and generally played with more pace. Definitely keep him in and build on a great game, I think we'll be rewarded.
When Mack gets back, I would drop him onto the second line with Zetterlund and move Wennberg to Smith's wing.
Third period aside I feel like the sharks have just had so much more jump since they got their first win. Guys are attacking the puck carrier, applying pressure on the back check and forecheck and just generally moving with more purpose. It’s been really nice to see.
Also super happy to see Smith finally get on the score sheet. He’s definitely been heating up and I swear you can see an immediate change in his play when he got that first goal. Way more confidence and better play for the rest of the night. Kids got a wicked shot so I’d really like to see him stop trying to force complicated passes and just put pucks on net.
Great review as always. Let see if they can keep it rolling on Saturday.
Smith was definitely noticeable off the puck after the 1st one went in. I didn’t know his shot was that good…he’s got some serious offensive potential. Still might be a wing long term but I remain high on him as a future PPG player. Maybe even a tick more
spot on w/ eklund, great puck control. if he can make a clean pass it will open up some scoring.
October is over. No Ooga Boogas for Will Smith
Ooga-booga! Thanks for the laugh professor - great video as always.
So glad I stayed up for this ooga booga 😂
Best analysis!
First game I’ve been to where the Sharks actually win. Was a really nice feeling
Streak!
It’s official!
Great video Professor! Love watching your content. Just wanted to add that I think the development days are partially for conditioning and also just to ease our top 2 prospects into the nhl. It’s a long season and pushing them straight into top 6 minutes risks injuries. Even if they wait 3-4 days between games I dont think it makes a difference for the players
I can see that, but just hopefully no conditioning day after a 2 goal performance.
I thought overall all players played pretty good tonight. No obvious carcass being dragged by the team. Also that 4th line is playing night and day better with Smith and Kostin out and Cardwell/ Grundstrom in. They actually have energy and look hungry to move the puck or get it back. A solid 4th line can very often be the difference maker.
Will Smith ooga booga! I nearly spat out my drink! That was so unexpected lmao.
I'm happy for the boys to finally get some points and some good vibes in the locker room. I don't want Celebrini coming back to that Community meme where Troy brings pizza for the crew and everything is on fire.
Hey Professor,
Ooga booga? The Medusa of the Sharks? hahaha Professor you were in fine form tonight. I would have expected you to be happier with a 3 game win streak? Did someone kick your dog? hahaha Very strong video man. You made me crack up with those two impassioned phrases though. Top shelf comments all the way man. hahaha
I totally agree with you about Smith though. Whatever the plan called for he needs to stay in the line up to see if he can build on that success he experienced last night. Those two shots were really impressive. His wrist shot seems to get on top of the goalie pretty quick. Both of them just seemed to surprise the goalie and limit his reaction time. I was almost moved to tears seeing Smith have his long anticipated moment and then to back it up with another was perfect.
I really loved seeing how protective Cunin and Barkley were on the two occasions that Chicago got physical with Smith. You will recall how concerned I was about he and Maclin and for that matter Eklund getting roughed up by bigger, older players.
I thought Wennberg and his line-mates put a decent nights work in as well. Being legally blind I often can't see that much of the game so it is entirely probable that I missed portions of the second line's game and specifically Gushin's game. I thought he and Zetterland did pretty well but, I thought Wenberg was very solid and reliable.
I am really happy for Cardwell and I think he has added a much needed element to that 4th line. He has a bit of skill and finish in his game that the other two on that line desperately need. I love the effort they are playing with right now and it looks like there is some chemistry there.
I know this is a Sharks show but, I can't pass on the opportunity to mention Marc Eduard's cousin. He looks like he is rounding into a fine NHL defensemen. He is tough to play against.
3 in the net, pizza you get...or is it tacos these days? hahaha I imagine next it will be mac and cheese? Ooga booga...that's the best man. hahaha
Pete
Clovis, CA
It is indeed tacos these days! And yeah, Alex Vlasic looked solid, a bittersweet reminder of what once was for our Vlasic.
Stone age Will Smith Ooga Booga is an all-timer!
It's great to see the Sharks fight to maintain a lead, even when they were on their heels for most of the 3rd. Winning teams know how to win ugly.
we are so back
Already called in sick for the cup parade in the spring
Well now they have to win it
Three in a row, legitimately since I've been a subscriber I do not remember you covering a 3 game win streak.
I believe they had a single 3 game win streak last year, but they can top it with a fourth tomorrow.
What does the prof think about swapping Cardwell and Goodrow to try and get some offensive flare for Smith to work with?
I think that would be interesting to see for sure and would definitely be a little bit better. I just don’t know if Warsofsky would be willing to.
Will Smith Ooga Booga is definitely his new nick name.
I don’t know if he’ll like that one haha
Imagine if we had won that 1st game of the reg season w/ celbrini.😢
Sooo Smith was just waiting until I got to the game finally 😂 First two goals right next to me 🎉😅
waaay to go Fresh Prince 🤴
I thought our second line was our worst last night sadly, I think gushchin won't get too many more opportunities on a top line he needs to have some luck and get some points
barclay “medusa” goodrow 😂😂
I feel like the only reason Ruta is still in the lineup is for A) A veteran presence. But more importantly B) to increase his trade value. Similarly to what they tried to do with Hoffman last year.
I guess that sort of worked with Benning at least
@ I mean if you’re Mike Grier/coaching staff you have two options. Either scratch Ruta (which I think if you take him out he probably wont be able to work his way back in) and completely remove any value potential he has, or play him and try and get a third for him at the deadline. Wins and losses dont really matter right now and he is a mentor figure, so I think he would have to suck a lot for a long time before he gets taken out. But I would definitely agree he belongs on the third parring.
This is likely what the Sharks will do yeah, it’s just unfortunate that two or Thrun, Thompson and Mukhamadullin will miss out on time because of it, at least right now.
@ Agreed. The slight silver lining to this and that less spots for younger players means more competition. Which will push Thompson, Muka, and Liljegren to play their absolute best to work into the lineup. Right now it feels like even though there is plenty of competition amongst offensive prospects, there is very little for the defensive ones and certain players are just in the lineup by default. Adding some competition there will be good for their development and unless your last name is Makar, younger D men tend to be very inconsistent and struggle physically. So when Thrun or Thompson are in a rut you can sub them out without worry.
Its just so nice they are winning games without Celebrini. Takes a ton of pressure off of him in his return.
I thought Toffoli was actually the worse forward tonight (or maybe goodrow). It seemed like 5+ times he wouldn’t catch a pass cleanly (donato goal) leading to a loss of possession. He also caused a few of the icings in the 3rd with really poor breakouts. It seemed like an overwhelming majority of the offensive zone chances for 1st line died on his stick.
There were absolutely moments tonight where it felt as though Toffoli was fighting the puck a little bit, so I can see why those gaffes would stick out for you.
Barracuda have a few point a game players, but they probably still need to learn to be defensively responsible. Bordeleau on Smiths wing, or Bordeleau on second line, Guschin with Smith.
Bordeleau might need a week or two.
Yeah I actually watched the Cuda game on Wednesday that Bordeleau played, he had some jump but looked like he might need a bit more time before he comes back up.
Not will Smith ooga booga 😂
Celebrini???? still injured......whut happened????
apparently it's a hip injury he'd got during training camp and played through opening night. sharks org probably not willing to let him back in feeling anything less than 110%
Injured yup
Ferraro remains a disaster, and I feel like I’m the only one who hates him more than Rutta. I think it’s because Ferraro is actually mobile and should have made some strides in literally ANY category by now. But all he can do is block shots. Pathetic. Trade this clown for a Cracker Jack box already.
He’d look a lot better if there was a puck moving defenseman paired with him like Ceci only looks good because Walman can move the puck hopefully when liljegren gets here they pair him with Mario and he picks things up
@ That’s sort of true but I reject the premise kinda. We’ve seen puck moving dynamos like Karlsson make AHL caliber slugs like Megna look “cromulent” but Ferraro does not play a steady game like a Megna type, he’s frantic and plays out of control. Even tonight we see him get beat net front because he’s out of position, late, and he STILL does not even know how to tie up a stick. I would not even hate the guy if he showed any semblance of fundamental d-zone play. Think that’s why I’m “okay” w/ Rutta. Even if he’s a pylon at this point in his career he can tie up sticks and he’s positionally pretty sound. He just reallllly struggles in transition now.
I can sort of see that, where one might dislike Ferraro more because it seems like he should be better than he is. I do think we should give him a chance with Liljegren though, it could help him out quite a bit.
I have a hard time ragging on Ferraro, he joined the team at its worst and has always had to punch above his weight. Probably a tough environment to make strides in. And as far as only being able to block shots, yea.. he's spent his whole career so far playing in his own end, that's not entirely his fault.