Max Miller
San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky told reporters that the team needed to “get the lines together” and changes were made at practice on Monday.
The biggest change in the line combinations is arguably Igor Chernyshov going up to the top line with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
“Saw it last year a little bit and had some success,” Warsofsky said. “I think the pace that Cherny plays at can really complement those guys, so that’s what we’re going with.”
Per Moneypuck.com, the analytical results for Chernyshov, Celebrini, and Smith were pretty even, but the points were there. According to Natural Stat Trick, the trio played 128:19 in total at 5v5 in 15 games last season. They scored eight goals and gave up four, but their xGF% (expected goals for %) was still below 50% (47.8).
They outchanced their opponents 62-52 but gave up more high-danger chances than they created, 17-24. Other than the first game, Smith has been somewhat quiet offensively, so getting him a power forward to get to the net could create more space for the winger.
As for the other line changes, Michael Misa returns to center a line that went nuts in one preseason game. The former No. 2 pick will center a line with Ivar Stenberg and Kiefer Sherwood. Stenberg scored a hat trick on this line in the San Jose Sharks’ second preseason game.
Stenberg, another No. 2 overall pick, and Misa showed instant chemistry in that game.
“It’s great. I played with Woody a lot last year, and we did well together. I played with Steny a bit there in the rookie tournament,” Misa told SHD. “[Stenberg’s] really smart. What he does with the puck. He’s got a lot of poise, and it makes my job and Woody’s job easy out there when you play with him.”
Just five games into his NHL career, Stenberg has already opened eyes with how quickly he’s looking comfortable. The 19-year-old told SHD the game is slowing down around him, and he’s feeling really good about his game.
“Like, first and second game, you’re so nervous and want to do everything right, and now I feel like I can start to play more my game,” Stenberg said. “Try to help the team and win games and create offense.”
Although the winger has only two assists, he’s faced tough matchups and still generated a decent number of chances. The San Jose Sharks tasked Steneberg’s line with facing Connor McDavid on Saturday and got more chances than against, 7-5.
The line with Sherwood and Misa will give opposing teams a different look. The speedy line with physicality from Sherwood could cause a ton of havoc in the offensive zone.
“I love to play with [Sherwood],” Stenberg said. “Super good guy, and really good on the ice too. Likes to get fired up, so it’s fun. It’s fun to play with him.”
Misa understands that Sherwood can create some extra space for him and Stenberg to make some high-skill plays.
“He’s fast, physical, [and he] can shoot the puck. Every center wants a winger like that,” Misa explained. “I played with him a lot last year, so we were talking today. Hopefully we can get some good chemistry going for tomorrow.”
The Sharks host the Boston Bruins at 8 p.m. PT on ESPN on Tuesday.
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