The San Jose Sharks host the Anaheim Ducks at SAP Center.
Will Smith is making his preseason debut!
Danil Gushchin, Alexander Wennberg, and Jack Thompson found the net, but the San Jose Sharks lost narrowly with a score of 4-3.
Period 1
The Ducks’ lineup is relatively average, honestly. It’s quite similar to what the Vegas Golden Knights fielded on Sunday.
Welcome back Ryan Carpenter! pic.twitter.com/B0vJ1ug617
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) September 25, 2024
Smith’s first puck touch wasn’t impressive; he struggled to shake off back pressure in the neutral zone and attempted a soft pass to Goodrow, which the Ducks intercepted.
Sabourin edged out Howe 10-9 in a skirmish. It’s unclear what ignited it, but it was an entertaining, lengthy exchange with some solid punches thrown.
The preseason gloves are off at SAP Center 🥊 pic.twitter.com/JpG1DlbOsy
— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) September 25, 2024
Gushchin’s goal: He has made a strong start tonight, showing off a good shot and quick puck retrieval, slipping past Terrance and connecting on plays in the offensive zone early. With Bordeleau injured, he certainly has an advantage for securing a roster spot.
Moreover, this marks Vitek Vanecek’s first game since February 10. He’s faced a long recovery from groin surgery, stretching beyond seven months.
With 9 minutes left: Look at Will Smith! He delivers a beautiful cross-slot pass upon entry, connecting with Toffoli while evading four Ducks players.
Will Smith with a nice pass to Toffoli. pic.twitter.com/S3YvGp7179
— JD Young (@MyFryHole) September 25, 2024
Wennberg’s goal was a straightforward one on the power play.
The final shift of the period was exceptional from Bystedt, Gushchin, and Thompson, as they dominated possession and displayed impressive patience without forcing any plays. While Gushchin hadn’t stood out to me in scrimmages previously, I must admit I wasn’t paying close attention. However, tonight he has come prepared to play.
What a shift from Filip Bystedt! pic.twitter.com/YXpzL0TFHM
— JD Young (@MyFryHole) <a href="https://twitter.com/MyFryHole/status…
September 25, 2024
Period 2
Meyer goal: It appears that Zetterlund and possibly Schuldt collided, allowing Meyer to break free and find space in front. The coverage was lacking and far too easy.
3 in: White showcased some energy and earned a penalty.
A strong cross-slot pass from Smith to Toffoli. Looks confident with the puck on the power play. I believe Smith could already contribute positively to an NHL power play. We will see how it goes when the real games begin.
Another Smith to Toffoli play pic.twitter.com/Nxr1k5IEeW
— JD Young (@MyFryHole) September 25, 2024
9 in: Smith is the first to the puck. He finds himself alone in the offensive zone but hesitates, allowing Lindstrom to knock him down and create a turnover. While Smith didn’t have support, in the future, he should learn to recognize when a play isn’t developing quickly enough and either send it down low or hold on until help arrives. Essentially, he needs to process situations faster to avoid turnovers in the defensive zone. Later, during the breakout, Rutta made a challenging pass to Smith, which should be revisited. It may have been too strong, but Smith’s stick wasn’t in place to control it, resulting in another turnover.
Sidorov goal: A one-timer on the power play. I have not been impressed with the Sharks’ performance during this period.
Leason goal: Hache had a challenging shift. He had an opportunity to clear the puck with some time and space but failed to do so. Meanwhile, Leason outmaneuvered him one-on-one, leaving Rutta alone to deal with McGinn in front. This serves as an important lesson for the young Hache.
Smith penalty: Skate instead of reaching; that was an unnecessary penalty.
Pysyk goal: Schuldt seemed slightly slow to keep pace with Pysyk; he needs to recognize the speed. Sharks fans are likely feeling déjà vu, with four unanswered goals—three of which were conceded in just 4:37.
Thompson goal: The Sharks’ power play has been a bright spot through both games, particularly the second unit tonight.
My initial assumption? If everyone stays healthy, Smith will likely start the season on the wing. Granlund, Celebrini, Wennberg, and Sturm are currently superior centers. However, there is still plenty of time before October 10; injuries could change things, and I believe Smith will gain valuable insights from tonight’s experience. Additionally, in a late period faceoff, Goodrow took the offensive zone draw with Smith positioned on the wing. Smith had a tough night in the faceoff circle, winning only 3 of 10.
Period 3
7 in: Smith exits the play, attempting a long diagonal pass to Goodrow that gets intercepted. A pass like that can earn you praise if it connects but may lead to being benched if it fails. While he likely won’t be benched today, it’s a risky move that needs to succeed in future games.
San Jose Sharks Fall Short Against Anaheim Ducks in Preseason Battle: Will Smith’s Debut Highlights Tight Contest
Overview of the Preseason Matchup
The San Jose Sharks faced off against the Anaheim Ducks in an intense preseason matchup that showcased a blend of emerging talent and seasoned veterans. Despite a spirited effort, the Sharks were unable to secure a victory, losing the game in a closely contested battle. This showdown was particularly notable for the debut of Will Smith, a highly-touted prospect whose performance left fans and analysts buzzing.
Game Summary
Period Sharks Goals Ducks Goals 1st 1 2 2nd 2 1 3rd 1 2 Total 4 5 The Performance of Will Smith
Will Smith’s debut was one of the highlights of the night, as the young forward demonstrated impressive skill and poise on the ice. Despite the loss, Smith managed to contribute significantly to the Sharks’ offensive efforts. Here are some key takeaways from his performance:
- Speed and Agility: Smith showcased impressive foot speed, making him a constant threat during offensive plays.
- Playmaking Ability: He assisted on one of the Sharks’ goals, displaying his vision and ability to read the game.
- Defensive Contributions: Smith also showed promise in his two-way game, making crucial backchecks that helped thwart Ducks’ scoring opportunities.
Key Players from the Sharks
While the Sharks ultimately fell short, several players stood out in the matchup:
- Timo Meier: Scored a goal and provided strong offensive pressure throughout the game.
- Logan Couture: His leadership on the ice was evident, contributing significantly to the Sharks’ strategy and play execution.
- James Reimer: Despite the loss, Reimer delivered key saves that kept the Sharks in contention during critical moments.
Ducks’ Key Performers
The Anaheim Ducks, on the other hand, had several players who made significant contributions to their victory:
- Trevor Zegras: A standout player, Zegras scored two goals and was instrumental in directing the Ducks’ offensive play.
- Ryan Getzlaf: The veteran forward provided veteran presence and scored a pivotal goal that shifted momentum in the Ducks’ favor.
- John Gibson: The Ducks’ goalie made several key saves, particularly in the third period, to preserve the lead.
Analysis of Team Strategies
Both teams employed distinct strategies that shaped the game’s flow:
Sharks’ Strategy
The Sharks focused on a high-paced, aggressive style of play, aiming to create scoring chances through quick transitions. Their game plan included:
- Utilizing the speed of their forwards to stretch the Ducks’ defense.
- Implementing a forechecking system to regain possession quickly.
- Encouraging defensemen to join the rush for additional offensive support.
Ducks’ Strategy
The Ducks countered with a more defensive-minded approach, emphasizing structured play and capitalizing on counter-attacks. Their strategy involved:
- Maintaining a strong defensive zone presence to limit high-quality chances.
- Using quick breakout passes to transition swiftly from defense to offense.
- Exploiting the Sharks’ overcommitment by hitting on the counterattack.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Sharks
The preseason matchup against the Ducks might serve as a crucial learning experience for the Sharks as they prepare for the upcoming NHL season. Here are some implications to consider:
- Development of Young Talent: Will Smith’s performance signals a bright future for the Sharks, as they look to integrate younger players into their lineup.
- Defensive Adjustments: The Sharks must refine their defensive strategies to minimize scoring opportunities against skilled opponents like the Ducks.
- Building Chemistry: As the roster continues to evolve, establishing chemistry among new and existing players will be pivotal for success.
Fan Reactions and Community Engagement
The Sharks’ fanbase remains enthusiastic, rallying behind their team even after a hard-fought preseason loss. Social media platforms lit up with reactions to Will Smith’s debut and overall team performance:
- “Excited about what Will Smith brings to the table!”
- “The Sharks showed promise; I can’t wait for the regular season!”
- “Tough loss, but the effort was there!”
Conclusion: Moving Forward
As the Sharks continue to navigate through the preseason, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the integration of new players and the development of their strategies. With talent like Will Smith making their mark, the Sharks are poised to surprise many in the upcoming NHL season.
