Young Sharks show growth despite tough loss to Stars

The Sharks may have lost yesterday against the Dallas Stars, but they played a great game, even outshooting the Stars 37 to 29 and sustaining stretches in the offensive zone, something they have struggled with all season to this point. So while the final score isn’t in the Sharks' favor tonight, there is a lot of good to take away from this game. 

First things first, the Sharks' 4th line has been doing an excellent job of late at getting pucks deep and using physicality to establish time in the offensive zone. The line has a clear identity and plays its role to a tee. 

Zack Ostapchuk has been an excellent addition to the line and has been playing well when given the opportunity. He almost got rewarded with his first goal as a Shark, but unfortunately, it was a high touch and was called back. Still, he is emerging as an NHL-caliber 4th-line center thanks to his physicality and ability to win faceoffs.

Another player emerging for the Sharks is Collin Graf. Graf has established himself as an NHL regular and excellent PKer for the Sharks in a bottom-six role, but with Smith out, Graf has gotten an extended look on the top line with Celebrini. Over the last five games, Graf has 6 points, including two goals last night against the Stars. The first was a brilliant play by Macklin Celebrini to win the puck off the draw and find Graf in front of Oettinger with a beautiful pass.

The Second was a tic-tac-toe play, which was started by a Graf defensive play and finished by him in front of the net at the other end of the ice.

Graf is on pace for 43 points in 82 games and is starting to look like a potential core piece. The undrafted free agent is incredibly smart and has proved he can factor in on both ends of the ice.  It’s been a while since the Sharks have hit on a player outside the top of the draft, but they have something in Graf. 

One of the Sharks' top prospects has also gotten some attention for his strong play. Igor Chernyshov, who was called up after Will Smith went down with an injury, has looked great so far in his two games with the Sharks. He has assists in both of his games and has shown he belongs at the NHL level. His skating has stood out for a guy of his size (6’3) while not being afraid to go to the net, and he has looked like a nice fit alongside Macklin. If Smith returns soon, it will be interesting to see what the Sharks do. While it’s only two games, the Sharks could use someone like Chernyshov in the top 9 that lacks size and skill as a whole.

The Sharks have been playing well of late and continue to take steps forward every month. Who knows what they will look like by season's end, but it should be an entertaining ride regardless of what happens this season.