The Sharks are gearing up for their 3rd game of the season, as they take on the Carolina Hurricanes for their final game of a three-game homestand to start the season. The Sharks are 0-0-2 on the season so far, while the Hurricanes are 2-0-0.
Sharks top prospect Michael Misa will be making his anticipated NHL debut tonight after sitting out the first two games of the season. He will draw in for Collin Graf. The Sharks' lineup is as follows.
Eklund - Celebrini - Toffoli
Skinner - Wennberg - Smith
Kurashev - Misa - Dellandrea
Goodrow - Gaudette - Reaves
Ferraro - Orlov
Leddy - Liljegren
Dickinson - Klingberg
Nedeljkovic
Scratches: Graf, Muhkhamadullin, Desharnais
Graf being pulled out of the lineup is an interesting choice. Warsofsky has prioritized the Sharks' veterans early in the season. And while it’s fair, given the early nature of the season, Graf has looked good on the Sharks' top PK unit for the Sharks and provides value in a bottom-six role for the Sharks.
While Ryan Reaves provides a clear role on the 4th line and definitely has value to a young Sharks team, playing a player who has averaged well under 10 minutes a game so far this year over a useful special teams player like Graf shouldn't become a trend.
Warsofsky's decision to lean into his veteran players likely has a lot to do with the Sharks' results in the first two games. The Sharks have blown two 3rd period leads so far this season in their opening two games. Holding a 3-2 and 6-4 lead in the 3rd period against Vegas and Anaheim, respectively. This was a trend that has carried over from last season that the Sharks absolutely need to break.
Unfortunately, they will have to try and do so against one of the league's best and most structured teams, the Carolina Hurricanes. Their lineup can be seen here. While it will be a tough test for sure, it will be interesting to see how Misa and the Sharks respond to what has been a demoralizing start to the season.