What to Watch For Tonight: Young San Jose Sharks Trek to Calgary

The San Jose Sharks swim across the border to extinguish the light of the Calgary Flames in the Scotiabank Saddledome at 6:00 PM.

A young San Jose Sharks roster makes what could be its final dress rehearsal for Head Coach Peter DeBoer and the coaching staff. The Sharks (2-0-1) embark on their fourth game of the preseason as they take on another Pacific Division foe, the Calgary Flames.

San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson announced earlier today the recall of 14 players to the main training camp. Wilson announced last Sunday the reduction of 16 players, however many of those return to partake in tonight’s clash with the Flames (2-2-3).

Among those returning from the San Jose Barracuda for the one-day trip to Calgary, a few young prospects make their anticipated preseason debut, including center Sasha Chmelevski, left winger Jayden Halbgewachs, and defenseman Jeremy Roy.

Kevin Kurz tweeted out the projected lineup against the veteran presence of the Flames. The Sharks opt to go on the lighter side with their rookies looking to create an impact.  Notably, Melker Karlsson will get his first crack to prove whether he can compete for a spot on the fourth line.

The Sharks newest member, Erik Karlsson, continues to practice with the team, however he will not be suiting up tonight. The two-time Norris Trophy winner will most likely be ready for the final pair of preseason contests with the Sharks and Flames returning to the Tank on Thursday.

The Flames have endured a long preseason journey, which began with the 2018 O.R.G. NHL China Games in Shenzhen and Beijing against the Boston Bruins. The Bruins took down the Flames in both matchups, winning 4-3 in the preseason-opening shootout and 3-1 thanks to two late third period goals.

The Flames traveled back to Canada for the duration of the preseason, collecting a sweep over the Vancouver Canucks and losses against the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets.

Finishing fifth in the Pacific Division last year with a 37-35-10 record, the Flames fell short of the playoffs for the first time since their 2015-2016 season. With the summer additions of James Neal, Noah Hanifin, and Elias Lindholm, the Flames look to add more spark on offense. Nifty forwards Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, who have put up 50+ point seasons over the last four years, both dawn a pair of skates tonight, representing pivotal pieces on the top line and power play.

Tonight’s matchup represents a tough test for the young Sharks squad to tackle as they face off against a seasoned Flames lineup.