The San Jose Sharks are proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the NHL, and it's not just Macklin Celebrini who is making waves. While Celebrini has undoubtedly been impressive since his arrival, the rest of the team has shown that they can hold their own against top-level opponents.
Their latest victory over the Los Angeles Kings was a testament to this, as the Sharks picked up their second win in as many games on their four-game home stand. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams creating scoring chances and neither able to gain a clear advantage until the shootout.
However, it was not Celebrini who stole the show. Instead, it was his teammates, such as Will Smith, Colin Graf, Ty Dellandrea, William Eklund, Sam Dickinson, and Philip Kurashev, who all had impressive performances. Smith, in particular, stood out with a spectacular assist and a nearly unstoppable goal that seemed to have no end.
Smith's growth has been nothing short of remarkable, and his ability to win battles for the puck and create turnovers is a key factor in his success. He's now up to 20 points in just 21 games, and his improved play inside his own zone is a significant improvement from last season.
Meanwhile, Graf had another strong game, showing the kind of two-way ability that middle-six forwards are built for. His ability to kill penalties has been impressive, and he seems like a natural fit for the Sharks' system.
Dickinson, on the other hand, may not have had any stats to speak of, but his play was evident in the way he seemed unfazed by the Kings' forecheck. At 19 years old, he's got a bright future ahead of him, and it's clear that the Sharks made the right call in drafting him.
And then there's Askarov, who has been nothing short of dominant in goal. His ability to shut down opposing offenses is unparalleled, and his .964 save percentage in November is a testament to his exceptional skills.
The Sharks' recent surge is a promising sign for their future, and it's hard not to daydream about what could be if they continue on this trajectory. With players like Smith, Dickinson, Michael Misa, and Askarov leading the charge, the Sharks are well-equipped to make a deep run in the playoffs.
And while Celebrini is undoubtedly a star, it's clear that he can't do it alone. The rest of the team is rising to the challenge, and it's only a matter of time before they become an unstoppable force in the NHL.
Their latest victory over the Los Angeles Kings was a testament to this, as the Sharks picked up their second win in as many games on their four-game home stand. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams creating scoring chances and neither able to gain a clear advantage until the shootout.
However, it was not Celebrini who stole the show. Instead, it was his teammates, such as Will Smith, Colin Graf, Ty Dellandrea, William Eklund, Sam Dickinson, and Philip Kurashev, who all had impressive performances. Smith, in particular, stood out with a spectacular assist and a nearly unstoppable goal that seemed to have no end.
Smith's growth has been nothing short of remarkable, and his ability to win battles for the puck and create turnovers is a key factor in his success. He's now up to 20 points in just 21 games, and his improved play inside his own zone is a significant improvement from last season.
Meanwhile, Graf had another strong game, showing the kind of two-way ability that middle-six forwards are built for. His ability to kill penalties has been impressive, and he seems like a natural fit for the Sharks' system.
Dickinson, on the other hand, may not have had any stats to speak of, but his play was evident in the way he seemed unfazed by the Kings' forecheck. At 19 years old, he's got a bright future ahead of him, and it's clear that the Sharks made the right call in drafting him.
And then there's Askarov, who has been nothing short of dominant in goal. His ability to shut down opposing offenses is unparalleled, and his .964 save percentage in November is a testament to his exceptional skills.
The Sharks' recent surge is a promising sign for their future, and it's hard not to daydream about what could be if they continue on this trajectory. With players like Smith, Dickinson, Michael Misa, and Askarov leading the charge, the Sharks are well-equipped to make a deep run in the playoffs.
And while Celebrini is undoubtedly a star, it's clear that he can't do it alone. The rest of the team is rising to the challenge, and it's only a matter of time before they become an unstoppable force in the NHL.