Sharks Look to Build on Rare Win as They Head to Seattle

The San Jose Sharks will try to build on a 2-1 victory over Pittsburgh as they visit the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night, while Seattle deals with goaltending struggles and roster moves.

Kraken Waive Grubauer Amid Season-Long Struggles

Seattle’s Philipp Grubauer has had a tough season, posting a 3.83 goals-against average and .866 save percentage, the worst among all NHL goalies who have played at least 15 games this season.

After allowing five goals on 22 shots in a 6-4 loss to Anaheim on Tuesday, the Kraken placed Grubauer on waivers with the intent to send him to their AHL affiliate, Coachella Valley.

Head coach Dan Bylsma defended his goalie, saying, “We hung him out to dry … too many pucks he didn’t have a chance on.”

Seattle’s Joey Daccord has been the team’s No. 1 goalie this season, earning a 17-12-2 record with a 2.45 GAA and .917 save percentage. He signed a five-year, $25 million extension in October, solidifying his role as the team’s future in net.

Sharks Looking to Capitalize

San Jose snapped a six-game losing streak Monday with a 2-1 win over the Penguins, a rare bright spot in a tough season.

Macklin Celebrini, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period, notching his fourth game-winning goal of the season.

“We did a great job, I don’t think our confidence wavered,” Celebrini said. “We knew what we needed to do.”

Mikael Granlund also scored, while Yaroslav Askarov made 29 saves to help secure the win.

Head coach Ryan Warsofsky praised his team’s effort: “The result is the big thing, but we did some really good things Monday. Some guys stepped up, which we needed.”

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Sharks Have Owned the Season Series

San Jose has won both meetings against Seattle this season, outscoring the Kraken 12-7 in those games:

• Nov. 29 (San Jose) – Sharks won 8-5
• Nov. 30 (Seattle) – Sharks won 4-2

With Seattle struggling defensively and San Jose gaining confidence, can the Sharks take advantage of the Kraken’s goaltending uncertainty and extend their season series lead?