The San Jose Sharks hold a 5-9-3 record, sitting seventh in the Pacific Division. On their four-game road trip, the Sharks won 1-0 vs. the Devils and lost 4-3 in a shootout to the Flyers.
Team Teal battles the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins to wrap up their trip. New York holds a competitive 9-4-1 record, fourth in the Metropolitan Division. Meanwhile, the Penguins are 6-9-2, sixth in the Metropolitan Division.
Taking on the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden
Former Rangers center Barclay Goodrow returns to MSG with the Sharks. Goodrow’s return comes after the Rangers placed him on waivers in June to free up cap space. By mid-June, the Sharks claimed Goodrow, reuniting him with the team where his NHL career started.
While Goodrow has just two goals and a -5 rating, he leads the Sharks in penalty minutes with 19.
Team Teal will need to maximize scoring chances. In 57.1 percent of their games, the Rangers have scored four or more goals.
Artemi Panarin leads the Rangers 10 points ahead of the next player with 22 points in 14 games. The veteran Panarin averages 19:42 TOI, with 10 goals and 12 assists.
Mikael Granlund, Team Teal’s point leader, averages 21:29 of ice time, with seven goals and 11 assists this season.
Aside from the Rangers consistent scoring threat, the Sharks will also have to watch out for their opponents’ solid goaltending. In seven of 14 games played, Igor Shesterkin (5) or Jonathan Quick (2) were highlighted as the top performers.
Shesterkin holds a 6-4-1 record, a 2.85 goals-against average, a .913 save percentage, and one shutout this season.
Quick boasts a 3-0-0 record, a 1.17 goals-against average, a .964 save percentage, and one shutout this season.
Facing Off Against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena
The Sharks encounter familiar faces this road trip, with former head coach David Quinn and ex-teammate Erik Karlsson on the Penguins.
Team Teal can counter strong veterans in players like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Karlsson with speed and energy. With youthful, fast-skating players like Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and William Eklund, the Sharks can tire Pittsburgh’s older, slower defense.
The Penguins have suffered some blowout losses this season, with two recently against Carolina (5-1) and Dallas (7-1). Keeping up pressure in the neutral zone and against the Penguins’ blue line could generate high-quality scoring chances.
Sharks must stay physical to unsettle Pittsburgh, but they need discipline to avoid costly penalties.
San Jose Sharks versus New York Rangers puck drop is on Nov. 14 at 7:00 PM EST. After a one day turnaround, the Sharks face the Penguins on Saturday at 7:00 PM EST.
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