Mike Benton sets up the Thursday night, Jan. 30 matchup at Climate Pledge Arena between the Seattle Kraken and San Jose Sharks, sharing extended conversations with Kraken radio play-by-play voice Everett Fitzhugh and San Jose's Dan Rusanowsky.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
We're talking about a guy who's been with a Cracking
from the start and a goaltender that's played a lot
of good hockey for the Cracking over the years. And
you know, we looked at this upcoming schedule with the
break coming up to four Nations, it wasn't the best
scenario for playing time or practice time for the next
few weeks. So we felt it was a good option
(00:22):
to assign a CV we can play and get his
game back to where we all know, we all seen
it has been in the past.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
So what do you do in the meantime in goal
behind Joey.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Well, we got the five games coming up here from
the break. It's in every other date scenario for us,
so you know, it's a good chance for Joey to
take the net here and play those games. Alex Steska, well,
probably at some point in the next day be the
guy that gets gets called up to back up Joey
(00:59):
in that time.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
So so coach kind of maybe explain how this works
with with with Philip. I mean, are you expecting that
he would go down to Coachella? Would would he want
to do that? The see a scenario where he comes
back up and rejoins the team after the break. What
do you think the next maybe month, month and a
half would would look like for this guy.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
Yeah, that's what you know, that is what the plan is.
You know, Ron had a conversation with Groovy today about
that situation, and you know, it's an opportunity, as you know,
it should be as an opportunity for Groovy to to
you know, get his game back, so to speak, work
on his game, get some playing time, and you know,
(01:44):
when and if he does that, that'll be a chance
to you know, that's we're going to play a lot
of hockey here coming down the stretch. So you know,
given that he would do that, go down to Coachella
and get his game back, and then you know there's
a ability that we've seen in return later in the year.
Speaker 4 (02:03):
Welcome to Kracking this morning, a presentation of the krak
And Audio Network and Sports Radio ninety three point three
kjr FM. Here's Mike Betton.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
That's cracking. Heead coach Dan Bilesman joining Softy and Dick
on ninety three to three KJRFM Wednesday on the situation
developing with the goaltender Philip Grubauer placed on waivers and
we'll find out here by this morning if he'll be
headed elsewhere or to AHL Coachella Valley. Welcome to Cracking
this morning. Mike Benton with you game two of the
(02:33):
five game homestand coming up as a Seattle Crack and
move on to take on the San Jose Sharks in
the third matchup of the regular season. National TV's got
the game. We are your only local source for broadcast
coverage throughout the entire evening across the Emerald Queen Casino
Kraken Audio Network ever at now have the call little
(02:53):
past seven thirty pm Pacific time. I'll join you at
seven o'clock for airtime coverage right by the cors Light
landing in section twenty. I hope that you can certainly
join us. We're gonna hear more of the conversation with Everetfisi.
Additionally Dan Rusanowski, radio play by play voice of the
San Jose Sharks. They joined us on the Wednesday episode
(03:14):
of Kracking Weekly on ninety three to three KJARFM. But
more of the extended conversation we'll have with them, covering
the what, how and why on Philip Grubauer being placed
on waivers, plus the Kraken preparing for the San Jose
Sharks and Dan Rosanowski is going to be a lot
to tell us more about whether a youth movement is
going to spite a tough season in the standings. Matlin Celebrini,
(03:38):
though making plenty of noise in the Calder Trophy race
at this point of the year. The Kracking coming off
of six or four loss to the Anaheim Ducks Tuesday night,
despite the first period where they found plenty of offensive goal.
Speaker 3 (03:52):
Avery's stolen away from Buybon Tour to the high.
Speaker 5 (03:55):
Spot a time Stor.
Speaker 6 (04:00):
Golvin in goals in three straight and.
Speaker 5 (04:03):
The Cracket have tied this game up at one thirteen
seventeen to play. In the first well, Brandon Montour, with
a fresh head of steam coming down that right side,
goes behind the net. He's looking for Tolbingen coming down
the middle of the ice. Tolden gets one hundred and
ten percent into that shot, beating Dostall top shelf, blocker,
(04:24):
sides and back hand shot.
Speaker 3 (04:29):
Mitchell Stevens first goal as a member of the Seattle
Cracket on a nifty.
Speaker 5 (04:35):
Wrap around, and the Cracket take a two.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
To one lead eleven forty to play.
Speaker 7 (04:40):
In the first well.
Speaker 5 (04:41):
I mentioned it early the fourth line for Seattle getting
it done Ty Carcia with a hit in the corner.
Mitchell Stevens picks that buck up, goes behind the net,
things wrap around the entire time, and puts it five
hole on dos all two.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
One crack of cocko best side back door charts.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
S Shadan Schwartz finishing off a beautiful two on one
and the Seattle cracket.
Speaker 5 (05:05):
Go back up by one.
Speaker 7 (05:06):
It's three to two Seattle five fifty nine to play.
Speaker 6 (05:10):
In the first well.
Speaker 5 (05:11):
A great feet up to Copucacco and again a two
on one, much like the Paniers goal the othernight. He
waits out the Duc de Fitzman to find a passing
lady wants, puts it over to Schwartz, one timer back
of the net, three two kracking.
Speaker 2 (05:25):
Unfortunately for the Kraken, that was only part of the story.
Ellie Tolbin and Mitchell Stevens, Jayden Schwartz got them out
to a three to two lead before Anaheim roared right
back with three unanswered goals in nearly the first eight
minutes of period two. Shane Wright tacked on a third
period power play goal to cut the lead to one.
The Kraken would get no closer, with Frank Patronto wrapping
(05:48):
up the game on an empty net goal with one
sixteen left in regulation. Good time here to remind you
as well, all season long, Hearts plumbers, electricians and h
VAC technicians will donate fifty dollars to Children's Hospital for
every Kraken goal scored, and so far Hearts has pledged
seventy six one hundred dollars the Children's Hospital with one
(06:09):
hundred and fifty two goals on the season. So let's
keep it up, Cracking fans and follow along all season
long to see how much we can raise for Children's
Hospital thanks to Hearts. Elsewhere in this game, we mentioned
Philip Grubauer. He came through in period one with a
highlight reel save, but again only a footnote and only
a part of the story. He gave up five goals
(06:30):
on twenty two shots and a rough right for him
in the two previous games, combining for a goals on
twenty six shots, and the very next morning on Wednesday,
the Crack and placing Grubauer on waivers with the purpose
to reassign him to the American Hockey League and their
affiliate in Coachella Valley, assuming nobody else claims him on
(06:50):
waivers in a twenty four hour period. We covered more
of this on Crack and Weekly Wednesday Night on ninety
three to three KJRFM with Everet Fitziew. Well, yeah, the
back to back fits at home and then life just
does not slow down here for today, and Philip Grubauer
is on the move to the American Hockey League if
he clears waivers. The only question now is what's next?
(07:14):
You know, I kind of wish we had this next
chat on happier terms here for this show, but I
think for how this would wind up here for Philip Greenbauer,
it's not easy. He was so good to talk with.
He made a big effort to really become a part
of the hockey fabric here amongst fans in the Puget Sound.
But I mean, you know, and I know that only
goes so far because it's a results based business, always
(07:37):
has been, always will be. What was your first reaction
when you saw this thing hit the wire today at
eleven am.
Speaker 7 (07:44):
Yeah, I think for a lot of people, fans, coworkers,
people in front office, I mean, this was a it
was a difficult, confusing day. I think, you know, Philip Grubauer,
at least to my collection, is the only player in
crackting history that routinely comes upstairs to the front office
(08:06):
and talks to people and says hello. And you know,
he definitely is as you mentioned it, he's a guy
that that ingrained himself into this whole organization, in the
fabric of this hockey community. And I think it's this,
this is one of those instances where you have to
separate the person from the athlete, you know, if if
(08:28):
we're looking at this as a result based business, and
I feel like this was a move that was only
a matter of time, uh frankly before it happened. And
I mean, and this is going to be a hard conversation, right,
This is gonna be a very difficult conversation to have
because of so many people. We we all like Philip
(08:50):
Krubauer as a person. He's done so much with this
organization on the guys and off the guys. But you know,
and it's it's been a struggle of a season for him.
And you know, you look at his numbers statistically, amongst
goaltenders that have played at least twenty games, this season
in the NHL, he is at the bottom of every
(09:13):
statistical category. Unfortunately, it's not the year that he wanted.
It's not the year that anyone wanted. But you know,
this potentially could be maybe a reset for him. We
saw what happened a couple of seasons ago with Cal
Peterson in LA when they sent into the American Hockey
League through waivers. Jack Campbell, I believe it was last
(09:34):
year from Edmonton they sent through down to the American
League and excuse me, got some games down there. So
I mean, it's a very unfortunate, you know, events that
have happened. But I do feel like where this team is,
where his excuse me, where his numbers were, where his
(09:56):
production has been this season. I think this was a
move that while on a personal level we all are not,
you know, totally happy with, I think on a professional
productivity level, I think this was something that needed to happen.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
Well, you said that, well, because I remember back when
he first arrived and this was supposed to be a
move that was a cornerstone piece of this franchise. And
from a technical standpoint, last night against Anaheim wasn't pretty,
and you can't fault the guy for I think four
or five goals that went in, but there was so
much I think discomfort and leagues and the saves that
(10:40):
he made routinely save of course, the highlight reel job
that he had back in period one. That's a save
of the year candidate right there if I've seen one
like you as well. But then you have the Jackson
Lacombe goal. That really hurts to say, but it was
like an outfielder losing a routine major league fly ball
and letting it drop. What do you think led today happening?
Speaker 7 (11:01):
You know, I do think on on on a very
surface level, even though you're not going to put every
goal that he's let in on him. I mean, this
team defensively has had its issues that offensively has not
been able to score. It's hard to look at at
(11:26):
his numbers and and say, you know, man, all of
that was because of poor defense. All of that was
because he didn't get any run support. I mean, you
mentioned it, the Jackson Lacombe goal. That's the goal that
cannot happen. The first goal last man, I believe was
the first second goal in the first period last night.
(11:48):
Between then I'm DUTs you know, the rebound that that
was a poor rebound to give up. It seems like
every start Grubauer has one two of those leaky goals
that just get through, or a couple of bad goals
that that that get through. And again, I mean that
(12:10):
that cannot happen on a regular basis. And you know,
I think our our friend John Forslan put it so
elloquiply earlier in the season when when we were talking
about both Joey Decord Philip Grubauer trying to grab hold
of the net. You know, neither goalie at that time,
and this is about a month and a half been
neither goalie at that time has been able to run
(12:33):
with this position, taking the runway that was given. And
I think now you have Joey Decord, who is you know,
in his second year of what I will assume will
be fifty plus games played, he's consistent, his numbers have
been build, he's making the saves that he needs to save,
(12:53):
and he's making a couple of says it probably he
shouldn't be making. Whereas on the other side of Philip Grubauer,
you're seeing too many of last night happen. I mean
this season, his last win was the thirtieth of December
against Utah, and before yesterday, the last time the Philip
Grubauer finished a game, started and finished the game was
(13:16):
in that three to two loss of the Devils on
the sixth of January. So just too many of these
outings for Grubauer on a consistent basis. And like I said,
it's a hard conversation to have, you have to separate
the man from the athlete, the man from the goal
crease because from a statistical perspective, the numbers are just
(13:40):
not where you would expect a six million dollar NHL
goaltender to be.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
So here are the options as far as a salary
is concerned. Grubauer gets claimed either one by another team
and that's that we say goodbye formally, thank you for
the memories, and we'll always have the playoff run two
years ago, and his five point nine million dollars salary
is off the books. The lightlier scenario it seems everyone's
buying into, is him clearing waivers. He goes to the
(14:09):
AHL with Coachelle Valley, stays there for as long as
he needs, and the crack and shave off a little
less than one point two million for the salary cap
issue part of it here. So here's a burning two
part question though. If he goes to Coachelle Valley, how
long is he there and what other options do the
crack and have now behind Joey to cord Uh.
Speaker 7 (14:30):
Yeah, I think that that's a million dollars question, right,
I mean starting there. If he does go to the CV,
and I think he will, I think we all expect
him to clear waivers and go down in the American
Octy League. This could be used as a reset for him,
you know, go down, get some games, get the confidence back,
(14:54):
and and come back ready to play meaningful games in
the NHL with game I don't know if this is
a demotion. I wouldn't. I wouldn't call this a demotion
simply because I feel like, you know, we we we
look at resets with Oliver Byorik Strand, Shane Wright, Andre Blatowski,
(15:16):
all those players this year sat out a few games,
came back, and now for the most part, I've been
playing at a high level. I feel like with Li
Rubauer goal hitting in the NHL, there's only two that's
you know, you can you can start Joey as much
as you want, but you still need to get him
(15:36):
live action. You still need to get him pucks in
game actions. So I feel like this move, if he
goes down there, Uh, this could be a temporary move.
I don't know if it's going to be an all
season move, the rest of the season move. You've got
the four Nation's break coming up, so he goes down,
(15:56):
clears the waivers. I think Coachella has got the HL
All Star Game coming up Monday, I believe, so the
AHL is gonna be on a little bit of a
hiatus for the next few days over the weekend, but
you know, he goes down the Coachella Valley. They's got
four games while the Kraken are on Four Nations break,
(16:18):
So over that two weeks, the Virus have four games,
so maybe Grubauer plays in those four games. I think
they've got another couple between Allo then two, so you know,
he gets for the six games, maybe see if he
can get get back to a level where he needs
to be, and then and then you call him back up.
(16:39):
I don't know if this is going to be a
permanent move if he's not claimed, but it all depends
on how he does down to the American League. I mean,
if he goes down to the AHL and and struggles,
then the numbers aren't where you need to be. Well,
then then there's a larger conversation that needs to be had.
But I do feel like the timing of this move
(16:59):
lends me the believe that this could just be a
temporary stain uh down there for him. Get him some
games while the team is on the Four Nations break
and come back after two weeks ready to go when
the team goes to Florida, no.
Speaker 2 (17:16):
Matter who the who the crack In put behind Joey
to Cord though, I think last night was even more
of an eye opener with the issues plaguing them back
in the defensive zone. Everett, you just mentioned this about
a minute ago. They got into a game they couldn't
afford to get into with Anaheim, and the Edmonton game
showed that too much track meet game will do you in.
(17:37):
And I'm pretty curious as to how they respond tomorrow
against San Jose.
Speaker 7 (17:43):
Yeah, I mean, this is this is going to be
one of those games where if you ever have a
coach who's fired mid season, the players in the locker room,
they shoulder a lot of that responsibility. Uh it's a
oh bleep, we let this guy down. This rests on
(18:05):
our shoulders. And I feel like, because so many people
like Grubaumer, because he's been here since day one, because
he's been he is such an important piece of this franchise,
I do feel like there's going to be some blame
passed around amongst the players. There's gonna be some self
reflection amongst the players in the locker room, like, man,
(18:27):
you know, we should have done better for Grubauer, and
I feel like this could potentially light a fire in
this team. It's no secret that defensively there's there have
been challenges this season. There have been breakdowns. There's been
letdowns this year, and it's unfair to put it all
(18:48):
on your goaltender, even though he's the last line of defense.
You know, you can't point to some defensive breakdowns. I
think we're both goaltenders were well Joey Anfield this season.
But I went into yesterday's game feeling like Anaheim was
a must win, considering what happened the last time these
two teams met. You're eight points back of Calgary, Anaheim
(19:12):
was one point back of you. You needed to capitalize
on a Calgary loss to Washington yesterday and an Anaheim
team who was behind you in the standing. You didn't
do that. Now thankfully Anahemer. Calgary lost yesterday to Washington.
So what that says. What that means is the Cracker
(19:33):
is still eight points back of the Calgary Flames. I mean,
and you still have two games with Calgary coming up
next week. You have Calgary at home this coming Sunday,
and then you're in Calgary next Saturday going into the
Four Nations break. You win both of those games and
you cut that deficit to four points going into the break,
(19:55):
which is something that I think McCracken will take. Now,
you have to win the games in between as well.
You have to keep that point distance where it is.
And tomorrow night against San Jose, they cannot afford another
performance like last night. They cannot afford another performance that
can Edmonton. And the last time that these two teams
(20:17):
mets in must win territory. I feel like I and
anyone who's ever listened to me knows me, I'm not
an alarmist kind of person, but I'm ringing the bell
right now. We were in this team I feel like
is in must win territory. Given where they are the standings.
The fact that you're now under thirty games left in
(20:39):
the regular season. Trying to overcome an eight point deficit
in less than thirty games is not easy to do.
Now again, you've got three games left against Calgary. You're
eight points in the moment, eight points back of them.
So you win those games. Things are different. You have
to win other ones as well. You have to jump Utah,
you have to jump at a hid now who's already
(21:01):
ahead of you? Vancouver is ahead of you. You've got
two more games left with the Canucks as well. So
I do think there is a path to the Promised Land.
It's not going to be easy, but I do feel like,
I mean, starting with Tamal's game, there needs to be
this must win mentality throughout the locker room.
Speaker 2 (21:24):
All right, onto Sharks matters. Now, let's talk about this.
Dan Rusanowski joining us. He is the long esteemed legendary
play by play voice for the San Jose Sharks on
the Sharks Audio Network. Dan my Man, hello to you,
and welcome back to Seattle as well.
Speaker 6 (21:39):
How you been I've been great, Mike. It's been been
a very interesting year, but every season has its own
great moments to share and fun things to laugh about.
If he thinks to cry about.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
We've kind of gone through the whole gamut of emotions here,
if you will your side, my side as well amongst
these things. But great to have you. Let's talk about this,
Mike Greer in the middle of this whole rebuild, Maclin
celebrating Dan looks like the real deal. You got, Will Smith,
you got your alslav Askarov, William Ecklund. What's the understanding
about the days ahead in the future despite the standings
(22:14):
right now on where the Sharks are going with this?
Speaker 6 (22:18):
Well, I suppose the operative phrase is light at the
end of the tunnel, and it's been a long tunnel
over the last of five Now it's going to be
six years where the Sharks aren't going to the playoffs.
But you mentioned several of the young players that everybody's
excited about. I can throw Baby and Zebelin into that
group too, and I think that this is something that's
bringing a lot of cheer and a lot of hopes
(22:40):
for the future for everybody in San Jose. And I
think that that's for good reason. These guys are all
good hockey players, but they have to go through the
process of adolescence before they can become an adult as
a team, And you know, you want to snap your fingers.
If you're a parent you have a fifteen year old,
you want to be able to just snap your fingers
and suddenly turn your fifteen year old get into a
(23:00):
twenty five year old mature adult. But that's just you
have to live through the ten year period. The Sharks
are hoping it doesn't take ten years, and it probably won't,
certainly in hockey terms, but I think that they're definitely
on the right track to getting your organization back to
where they belong, which, as we all know, is challenging
for a Stanley Cup each and every year, which they
(23:21):
succeeded in doing for twenty years before this rebuild really
started to have to take place. So all in all,
I guess you could say that as they're competitive, they
work hard, they like each other, they're having good moments.
It's not necessarily showing in the standings, but I think
that the progress that's being made is very, very positive.
Speaker 2 (23:41):
I loved hearing your call in the Pittsburgh game the
other day. Dan Sidney Crosby gets one and then celebrating
gets one right back It kind of reminded me of
a passing of the tours type of thing that we're
seeing in this league. And we'll see where celebrating goes
long term, but when's the last time you saw a
player this good this year in a Sharks jersey.
Speaker 6 (24:02):
Well, the kind of passing of the torch thing I'd
like to reflect on for a second first, and I'd
say that I remember when Wayne Gretzky was a young
rookie in the NHL. He had already played a couple
of years in the WHA, but there was one night
when de Lafleur said, young man, I know you're a
great young player, but it's to night, my night. And
for the Montreal Canadians, he had an incredible night. I
(24:24):
think he scored a couple of goals in that game,
and you know, that's the kind of thing that we're
starting to see from some of these established older stars.
Crosby scored a goal, Sealabrini responded, but you know, it
really was a kind of a nice moment. We've seen
this happen a few times. I think that in terms
of players that have come to the San Jose Sharks,
(24:46):
we really haven't seen this from a draft pick in
many respects, since Patrick Marler was a rookie of that
type of level and even you could go beyond that
with Maclin Sealabrinis. Patrick Marlo was a Hall of Famer
and he's a you know, was a friendranchise player without question,
if it's doubt, but this kid has the potential to
be an absolute generational player. We're talking people like Lemieux
(25:09):
and Gretzky and you know, Sydney Crosby and Nick David,
players like that. I think he has the potential to
actually become that. You know, you look at Will Smith.
I think he has the potential to be another Marlow type.
And isn't it interesting that he's living with Marlow and
celebrat he's living with Sartan as if to say, we're
(25:31):
training you for the roles that we used to have.
And I think it's just fascinating to see been a.
Speaker 2 (25:37):
Bit of a cluster with the starts back in the
Sharks net this season. And we'll get to this as
far as the youth part of it, Mackenzie black Wood
onto Colorado. But where's Askarov's game and his workload right now?
In relation to progress?
Speaker 6 (25:49):
I think he's doing well. You know, it's interesting because
he was sort of forced on the scene a little
bit sooner perhaps than they expected. They knew he was
going to get some NHL games this year, they weren't
sure how much any but you know, with the injuries
that the Sharks have had, Banachick with that freak injury
where he was sitting on the bench mine in his
own business and gets hit in the face with the puck,
(26:11):
that's why he's been out. That basically gave the opportunity
for Askarof to jump in and play, and you know,
also at the AHL level, for Georgi Romanof to get
some steady action and to continue to develop his game.
So I think that he's very athletic. He scares the
heck out of the coaches when he starts handling the puck,
(26:33):
which is great. He's really good at it. But it's
just the fact that he's so confident. He had you know,
the other day, he had the puck on his stick
to the right side of the goal, and he had
two guys on him and he was able to stick
handle and get it off to a teammates. You know,
that's enough to give anybody odjective, but if you're a
coach anyway, but it gets the fans on their seats
and makes them a popular guy. And the way I
(26:53):
describe it as a sort of a pay end to
the old days with the California Golden Seals when Gary
Suitcase Smith used to stick handle up the ice pat
send the center redline because he didn't trust his defenseman
on the breakouts. But you know, they don't allow that
anymore in the game of hockey in part because of that.
But we're seeing some fun with Askarov and that personality
is something that that really is going to be popular
(27:15):
with the fans here.
Speaker 2 (27:16):
I joking if it's almost as if he have a
shootout and if the court and Askarov could go, they
would certainly go back and forth. That could be the
goalie matchup coming out here up here for tomorrow night.
But Dan, we've seen a little bit of a Mark
Edward Vlasic on this roster. It's scant, but he's been
around well since my twenties. But we've talked about also
Alex Weinberg, Tyler Toffoley, Mikyle Granlin and you know who
(27:39):
knows who's going to be around here after the trade deadline.
But what are some of the examples that you've seen
from this veteran corps looking to set the standard for
the next young crop right now coming in.
Speaker 6 (27:50):
Well, it reminds me of twenty years ago when Dean
Lombardi was the general manager at the time, and he
had young guys like Piper Smarlo and Brad Stewart and
andre's Usan and Jonathan Cheech, You and so forth, Scott Hannon,
and he wanted to surround those guys with really seasoned
prows who had a great attitude, who understood that they
were there to help teach these young kids how to
(28:12):
be professionals and to teach them the values that they
needed in order to become and winning players. And so
the guys you're mentioning now with the Sharks are very
similar to you know, people like Murray Craven and Mike
Vernon and Kelly Rudy and ron Sutter and Ronnie Stern
and all those guys that were on that team back then,
Brian Marchmont being another one. And so they taught these
(28:34):
kids and they ushered them into the next era. Alex
Wenberg has been excellent. I think he's an underappreciated kind
of a guy. He certainly is well liked in the
dressing room. He just gives a steady effort. He's been
sitting on ninety nine career goals for a while now,
and he's you know, I think the last time he
had another big milestone, it took him a while to
get over the hump. And so maybe he'll go up
(28:56):
to a team he used to play for and get
one when the Sharks play the the Seattle Kraken. But
I think that he's just been a really calming influence.
Mikyle Granlin's been unbelievable for people like Zeterlin and Eckland
and now also Will Smith. I mean, he's just been
a tremendous influence. And Mark Edward Lastik, the old pro
(29:17):
is around nineteen years just the very coachable still. Brian
Orsofsky has mentioned that a couple of times, even at
this stage of his career, understands where he's at, that
knows he's not going to play every single game. But
somebody who's played thirteen hundred games all in the Shark's uniform,
that's just the remarkable achievement. You know, he's got one
more year if I'm not mistaken left on his contract.
(29:37):
I hope he plays next year because that would be
twenty years in the Sharks uniform. He'd be only the
second player to do that, Marlow being the other one.
But we'll see how that all goes. And that gets
back to what you're talking about. What's going to happen
as the team's approach the deadline. You know, where does
Mike Grier see where these guys actually are. Are they
part of the longer term solution or are they simp
(30:00):
people that are going to provide more assets for the future.
You know, Cody cc on defense and Jan Ruda also,
these are guys that have done a really good job
in working with young people like Henry's run, and so
I think that I think they've all done a good
job that way. They'd all love to be winning a
lot more than they have been on it to folly
be the first to tell you that, But I think
(30:21):
that they are a good cores and it's going to
be interesting to see because, as they said, if if
Mike decides to, if he gets some offers for some
of these guys to be part of playoff teams to
give him a chance to win a Stanley Cup, he
might afford them that opportunity, and that means he'd have
to sign a couple of extra free agents over the
summer to continue that process. And so that's going to
be one of the interesting I shall we say, sidebars
(30:44):
to the rest of the season.
Speaker 2 (30:45):
Dan the krack and had the mom's trip earlier this
last week. Also the family things going right around now
and the dads are on the Shark's trip. How's the
experience so far, Well, it's great.
Speaker 6 (30:56):
They we're all at the game the other night against
the Penguins, in the suite themselves and getting ready for
the trip to Seattle. And I really think this is
a great tradition that the teams have put together because
you know, you have to make sure that you thank
the parents, the fathers, the mothers, the uncles, everybody who
is taking part in making these guys professional athletes. And
(31:18):
they you know, you don't do it necessarily on your own.
All the stuff you do on the ices that he's
on your own, but you need that support, and I
think it's just a great way of giving back and
showing their appreciation. I think the dads have as much
fun as the players and I can remember one time.
They were his first ever Shark's father's trip. San Jose
traveled to Arizona and Dallas on a two game trip.
(31:39):
First night, they lost eight to nothing, and Jeremy Ronick
had his final hat trick in the NHL against San Jose.
That was before he joined the club. And I was
on the plane with all the dads while Doug Wilson
was on the bus and keeping the players on, yelling
at them and that very very rare a general manager
would do that. And one of the dads go over
(32:00):
and looked at me and he goes, SEEZ, I'm glad
I don't have to worry about this anymore. And then
all the dads were acting like kids when they were
all saying each other quite every they're coming on the plane,
you know, be quiet, make sure you make sure you
don't say anything. And it was really really fun.
Speaker 2 (32:15):
Before we cut you loose. Dan Ryan Worzowski among the
young up and coming coaches in this league, and his
higher turning plenty of heads they promoted from within. In
what ways has he put his stamp on this team?
Speaker 6 (32:27):
Now? He's a very competitive man, and he's very intense
and he expects a lot from all of his players,
but yet he's very approachable and I think that I
think the fact that he understands where the team has
been the last couple of years being in the assistant
coaching role under David Quinn is an advantage. The fact
that he has always had success wherever he has been.
(32:50):
It's been on two Calder Cup championship teams. One is
an assistant coach in Charlotte and the other is the
head coach in Chicago back in twenty twenty two. He
works well with young He's a good listener, but he's
also that competitive guy that wants the Sharks to play
a style of hockey that's difficult to play against, the
style of hockey that basically they had the last time
(33:12):
they rebuilt this team, and so I think that that's
all really positive. He's learning as the coach too. But
he's got a veteran like Doug Huda, who's been around
forever working with the defense. He's got Brian Wiseman, who's
one of the better minds in terms of constructing a
power play in the game. And those are the guys
on the bench. Jeff Ulmer also an important part of that,
(33:32):
and Thomas Spear too, the goaltending coach. I mean, this
is a really good staff that works well together. They
like each other very much, and I think you have
to do that if you're spending all that time together.
But I'd say his greatest strength is he brings people together.
He gets them to play for him, and he has
that expectations and competitiveness that the team really needs. And
you know how a team takes on the personality of
(33:54):
its coach in many respects. Even though the Sharks necessarily
didn't win, they were competitive in a lot of those
watchers that during the course of the early station of
the season here first half.
Speaker 2 (34:04):
Because of that, they're coming off a two to one
win over the Pittsburgh Penguins and Seattle's Thursday just got
even brighter because of the radiant wisdom that you have
brought in. My man, Dan, thanks so much here for
you your insight. Looking forward to seeing you once again here.
Speaker 6 (34:18):
Thanks, I appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (34:21):
All right, great to as usual hear from Dan Ruzanowski.
Looking forward to seeing him in the press box coming
up this evening. Also a massive thank you to ever
it fits you for joining our airwave to discuss more
of this, plus the game ahead. As a krack and
looking to end a three game winless skit against San Jose,
holding a slide edge at seven and six. The Sharks
(34:42):
have won twice in two meetings in this year's head
to head series, Ellie Tolben and carrying a three game
goal streak into this evening. Meanwhile, Will Smith, a young
name that you heard from Dan Rusanowski minutes ago. He
comes in with points in five consecutive games. We'll see
what's Jose team the Kraken had to deal with. Before
the two to one win for the Sharks against Pittsburgh Monday,
(35:05):
the Sharks had gone through six consecutive games, all losses
and giving up four goals or more, the most coming
in a seven to five loss against Nashville back on
the twenty first of January. Last krack and win against
San Jose ten months ago, when the Kracken knocked off
the Sharks four to two on April first of last season.
Maddy Benier's, Oliver b York's Rand Shane Wright and Jared
(35:27):
McCann each had goals in that victory. Hope you can
join us once again. Airtime coverage seven o'clock from Climbing
Pledge Arena. The game comes your way little past seven
thirty pm Pacific time, once again, all across the Emerald
Queen Casino Kraken Audio Network. Big thank you to Everett,
fits You and Andrewsanowski for joining us and for kracking
this morning. I'm Mike Benton, Happy Wednesday.
Speaker 4 (35:50):
You're home for the Kraken Sports Radio ninety three point
three kjr FM
We're talking about a guy who's been with a Cracking
from the start and a goaltender that's played a lot
of good hockey for the Cracking over the years. And
you know, we looked at this upcoming schedule with the
break coming up to four Nations, it wasn't the best
scenario for playing time or practice time for the next
few weeks. So we felt it was a good option
(00:22):
to assign a CV we can play and get his
game back to where we all know, we all seen
it has been in the past.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
So what do you do in the meantime in goal
behind Joey.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Well, we got the five games coming up here from
the break. It's in every other date scenario for us,
so you know, it's a good chance for Joey to
take the net here and play those games. Alex Steska, well,
probably at some point in the next day be the
guy that gets gets called up to back up Joey
(00:59):
in that time.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
So so coach kind of maybe explain how this works
with with with Philip. I mean, are you expecting that
he would go down to Coachella? Would would he want
to do that? The see a scenario where he comes
back up and rejoins the team after the break. What
do you think the next maybe month, month and a
half would would look like for this guy.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
Yeah, that's what you know, that is what the plan is.
You know, Ron had a conversation with Groovy today about
that situation, and you know, it's an opportunity, as you know,
it should be as an opportunity for Groovy to to
you know, get his game back, so to speak, work
on his game, get some playing time, and you know,
(01:44):
when and if he does that, that'll be a chance
to you know, that's we're going to play a lot
of hockey here coming down the stretch. So you know,
given that he would do that, go down to Coachella
and get his game back, and then you know there's
a ability that we've seen in return later in the year.
Speaker 4 (02:03):
Welcome to Kracking this morning, a presentation of the krak
And Audio Network and Sports Radio ninety three point three
kjr FM. Here's Mike Betton.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
That's cracking. Heead coach Dan Bilesman joining Softy and Dick
on ninety three to three KJRFM Wednesday on the situation
developing with the goaltender Philip Grubauer placed on waivers and
we'll find out here by this morning if he'll be
headed elsewhere or to AHL Coachella Valley. Welcome to Cracking
this morning. Mike Benton with you game two of the
(02:33):
five game homestand coming up as a Seattle Crack and
move on to take on the San Jose Sharks in
the third matchup of the regular season. National TV's got
the game. We are your only local source for broadcast
coverage throughout the entire evening across the Emerald Queen Casino
Kraken Audio Network ever at now have the call little
(02:53):
past seven thirty pm Pacific time. I'll join you at
seven o'clock for airtime coverage right by the cors Light
landing in section twenty. I hope that you can certainly
join us. We're gonna hear more of the conversation with Everetfisi.
Additionally Dan Rusanowski, radio play by play voice of the
San Jose Sharks. They joined us on the Wednesday episode
(03:14):
of Kracking Weekly on ninety three to three KJARFM. But
more of the extended conversation we'll have with them, covering
the what, how and why on Philip Grubauer being placed
on waivers, plus the Kraken preparing for the San Jose
Sharks and Dan Rosanowski is going to be a lot
to tell us more about whether a youth movement is
going to spite a tough season in the standings. Matlin Celebrini,
(03:38):
though making plenty of noise in the Calder Trophy race
at this point of the year. The Kracking coming off
of six or four loss to the Anaheim Ducks Tuesday night,
despite the first period where they found plenty of offensive goal.
Speaker 3 (03:52):
Avery's stolen away from Buybon Tour to the high.
Speaker 5 (03:55):
Spot a time Stor.
Speaker 6 (04:00):
Golvin in goals in three straight and.
Speaker 5 (04:03):
The Cracket have tied this game up at one thirteen
seventeen to play. In the first well, Brandon Montour, with
a fresh head of steam coming down that right side,
goes behind the net. He's looking for Tolbingen coming down
the middle of the ice. Tolden gets one hundred and
ten percent into that shot, beating Dostall top shelf, blocker,
(04:24):
sides and back hand shot.
Speaker 3 (04:29):
Mitchell Stevens first goal as a member of the Seattle
Cracket on a nifty.
Speaker 5 (04:35):
Wrap around, and the Cracket take a two.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
To one lead eleven forty to play.
Speaker 7 (04:40):
In the first well.
Speaker 5 (04:41):
I mentioned it early the fourth line for Seattle getting
it done Ty Carcia with a hit in the corner.
Mitchell Stevens picks that buck up, goes behind the net,
things wrap around the entire time, and puts it five
hole on dos all two.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
One crack of cocko best side back door charts.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
S Shadan Schwartz finishing off a beautiful two on one
and the Seattle cracket.
Speaker 5 (05:05):
Go back up by one.
Speaker 7 (05:06):
It's three to two Seattle five fifty nine to play.
Speaker 6 (05:10):
In the first well.
Speaker 5 (05:11):
A great feet up to Copucacco and again a two
on one, much like the Paniers goal the othernight. He
waits out the Duc de Fitzman to find a passing
lady wants, puts it over to Schwartz, one timer back
of the net, three two kracking.
Speaker 2 (05:25):
Unfortunately for the Kraken, that was only part of the story.
Ellie Tolbin and Mitchell Stevens, Jayden Schwartz got them out
to a three to two lead before Anaheim roared right
back with three unanswered goals in nearly the first eight
minutes of period two. Shane Wright tacked on a third
period power play goal to cut the lead to one.
The Kraken would get no closer, with Frank Patronto wrapping
(05:48):
up the game on an empty net goal with one
sixteen left in regulation. Good time here to remind you
as well, all season long, Hearts plumbers, electricians and h
VAC technicians will donate fifty dollars to Children's Hospital for
every Kraken goal scored, and so far Hearts has pledged
seventy six one hundred dollars the Children's Hospital with one
(06:09):
hundred and fifty two goals on the season. So let's
keep it up, Cracking fans and follow along all season
long to see how much we can raise for Children's
Hospital thanks to Hearts. Elsewhere in this game, we mentioned
Philip Grubauer. He came through in period one with a
highlight reel save, but again only a footnote and only
a part of the story. He gave up five goals
(06:30):
on twenty two shots and a rough right for him
in the two previous games, combining for a goals on
twenty six shots, and the very next morning on Wednesday,
the Crack and placing Grubauer on waivers with the purpose
to reassign him to the American Hockey League and their
affiliate in Coachella Valley, assuming nobody else claims him on
(06:50):
waivers in a twenty four hour period. We covered more
of this on Crack and Weekly Wednesday Night on ninety
three to three KJRFM with Everet Fitziew. Well, yeah, the
back to back fits at home and then life just
does not slow down here for today, and Philip Grubauer
is on the move to the American Hockey League if
he clears waivers. The only question now is what's next?
(07:14):
You know, I kind of wish we had this next
chat on happier terms here for this show, but I
think for how this would wind up here for Philip Greenbauer,
it's not easy. He was so good to talk with.
He made a big effort to really become a part
of the hockey fabric here amongst fans in the Puget Sound.
But I mean, you know, and I know that only
goes so far because it's a results based business, always
(07:37):
has been, always will be. What was your first reaction
when you saw this thing hit the wire today at
eleven am.
Speaker 7 (07:44):
Yeah, I think for a lot of people, fans, coworkers,
people in front office, I mean, this was a it
was a difficult, confusing day. I think, you know, Philip Grubauer,
at least to my collection, is the only player in
crackting history that routinely comes upstairs to the front office
(08:06):
and talks to people and says hello. And you know,
he definitely is as you mentioned it, he's a guy
that that ingrained himself into this whole organization, in the
fabric of this hockey community. And I think it's this,
this is one of those instances where you have to
separate the person from the athlete, you know, if if
(08:28):
we're looking at this as a result based business, and
I feel like this was a move that was only
a matter of time, uh frankly before it happened. And
I mean, and this is going to be a hard conversation, right,
This is gonna be a very difficult conversation to have
because of so many people. We we all like Philip
(08:50):
Krubauer as a person. He's done so much with this
organization on the guys and off the guys. But you know,
and it's it's been a struggle of a season for him.
And you know, you look at his numbers statistically, amongst
goaltenders that have played at least twenty games, this season
in the NHL, he is at the bottom of every
(09:13):
statistical category. Unfortunately, it's not the year that he wanted.
It's not the year that anyone wanted. But you know,
this potentially could be maybe a reset for him. We
saw what happened a couple of seasons ago with Cal
Peterson in LA when they sent into the American Hockey
League through waivers. Jack Campbell, I believe it was last
(09:34):
year from Edmonton they sent through down to the American
League and excuse me, got some games down there. So
I mean, it's a very unfortunate, you know, events that
have happened. But I do feel like where this team is,
where his excuse me, where his numbers were, where his
(09:56):
production has been this season. I think this was a
move that while on a personal level we all are not,
you know, totally happy with, I think on a professional
productivity level, I think this was something that needed to happen.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
Well, you said that, well, because I remember back when
he first arrived and this was supposed to be a
move that was a cornerstone piece of this franchise. And
from a technical standpoint, last night against Anaheim wasn't pretty,
and you can't fault the guy for I think four
or five goals that went in, but there was so
much I think discomfort and leagues and the saves that
(10:40):
he made routinely save of course, the highlight reel job
that he had back in period one. That's a save
of the year candidate right there if I've seen one
like you as well. But then you have the Jackson
Lacombe goal. That really hurts to say, but it was
like an outfielder losing a routine major league fly ball
and letting it drop. What do you think led today happening?
Speaker 7 (11:01):
You know, I do think on on on a very
surface level, even though you're not going to put every
goal that he's let in on him. I mean, this
team defensively has had its issues that offensively has not
been able to score. It's hard to look at at
(11:26):
his numbers and and say, you know, man, all of
that was because of poor defense. All of that was
because he didn't get any run support. I mean, you
mentioned it, the Jackson Lacombe goal. That's the goal that
cannot happen. The first goal last man, I believe was
the first second goal in the first period last night.
(11:48):
Between then I'm DUTs you know, the rebound that that
was a poor rebound to give up. It seems like
every start Grubauer has one two of those leaky goals
that just get through, or a couple of bad goals
that that that get through. And again, I mean that
(12:10):
that cannot happen on a regular basis. And you know,
I think our our friend John Forslan put it so
elloquiply earlier in the season when when we were talking
about both Joey Decord Philip Grubauer trying to grab hold
of the net. You know, neither goalie at that time,
and this is about a month and a half been
neither goalie at that time has been able to run
(12:33):
with this position, taking the runway that was given. And
I think now you have Joey Decord, who is you know,
in his second year of what I will assume will
be fifty plus games played, he's consistent, his numbers have
been build, he's making the saves that he needs to save,
(12:53):
and he's making a couple of says it probably he
shouldn't be making. Whereas on the other side of Philip Grubauer,
you're seeing too many of last night happen. I mean
this season, his last win was the thirtieth of December
against Utah, and before yesterday, the last time the Philip
Grubauer finished a game, started and finished the game was
(13:16):
in that three to two loss of the Devils on
the sixth of January. So just too many of these
outings for Grubauer on a consistent basis. And like I said,
it's a hard conversation to have, you have to separate
the man from the athlete, the man from the goal
crease because from a statistical perspective, the numbers are just
(13:40):
not where you would expect a six million dollar NHL
goaltender to be.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
So here are the options as far as a salary
is concerned. Grubauer gets claimed either one by another team
and that's that we say goodbye formally, thank you for
the memories, and we'll always have the playoff run two
years ago, and his five point nine million dollars salary
is off the books. The lightlier scenario it seems everyone's
buying into, is him clearing waivers. He goes to the
(14:09):
AHL with Coachelle Valley, stays there for as long as
he needs, and the crack and shave off a little
less than one point two million for the salary cap
issue part of it here. So here's a burning two
part question though. If he goes to Coachelle Valley, how
long is he there and what other options do the
crack and have now behind Joey to cord Uh.
Speaker 7 (14:30):
Yeah, I think that that's a million dollars question, right,
I mean starting there. If he does go to the CV,
and I think he will, I think we all expect
him to clear waivers and go down in the American
Octy League. This could be used as a reset for him,
you know, go down, get some games, get the confidence back,
(14:54):
and and come back ready to play meaningful games in
the NHL with game I don't know if this is
a demotion. I wouldn't. I wouldn't call this a demotion
simply because I feel like, you know, we we we
look at resets with Oliver Byorik Strand, Shane Wright, Andre Blatowski,
(15:16):
all those players this year sat out a few games,
came back, and now for the most part, I've been
playing at a high level. I feel like with Li
Rubauer goal hitting in the NHL, there's only two that's
you know, you can you can start Joey as much
as you want, but you still need to get him
(15:36):
live action. You still need to get him pucks in
game actions. So I feel like this move, if he
goes down there, Uh, this could be a temporary move.
I don't know if it's going to be an all
season move, the rest of the season move. You've got
the four Nation's break coming up, so he goes down,
(15:56):
clears the waivers. I think Coachella has got the HL
All Star Game coming up Monday, I believe, so the
AHL is gonna be on a little bit of a
hiatus for the next few days over the weekend, but
you know, he goes down the Coachella Valley. They's got
four games while the Kraken are on Four Nations break,
(16:18):
So over that two weeks, the Virus have four games,
so maybe Grubauer plays in those four games. I think
they've got another couple between Allo then two, so you know,
he gets for the six games, maybe see if he
can get get back to a level where he needs
to be, and then and then you call him back up.
(16:39):
I don't know if this is going to be a
permanent move if he's not claimed, but it all depends
on how he does down to the American League. I mean,
if he goes down to the AHL and and struggles,
then the numbers aren't where you need to be. Well,
then then there's a larger conversation that needs to be had.
But I do feel like the timing of this move
(16:59):
lends me the believe that this could just be a
temporary stain uh down there for him. Get him some
games while the team is on the Four Nations break
and come back after two weeks ready to go when
the team goes to Florida, no.
Speaker 2 (17:16):
Matter who the who the crack In put behind Joey
to Cord though, I think last night was even more
of an eye opener with the issues plaguing them back
in the defensive zone. Everett, you just mentioned this about
a minute ago. They got into a game they couldn't
afford to get into with Anaheim, and the Edmonton game
showed that too much track meet game will do you in.
(17:37):
And I'm pretty curious as to how they respond tomorrow
against San Jose.
Speaker 7 (17:43):
Yeah, I mean, this is this is going to be
one of those games where if you ever have a
coach who's fired mid season, the players in the locker room,
they shoulder a lot of that responsibility. Uh it's a
oh bleep, we let this guy down. This rests on
(18:05):
our shoulders. And I feel like, because so many people
like Grubaumer, because he's been here since day one, because
he's been he is such an important piece of this franchise,
I do feel like there's going to be some blame
passed around amongst the players. There's gonna be some self
reflection amongst the players in the locker room, like, man,
(18:27):
you know, we should have done better for Grubauer, and
I feel like this could potentially light a fire in
this team. It's no secret that defensively there's there have
been challenges this season. There have been breakdowns. There's been
letdowns this year, and it's unfair to put it all
(18:48):
on your goaltender, even though he's the last line of defense.
You know, you can't point to some defensive breakdowns. I
think we're both goaltenders were well Joey Anfield this season.
But I went into yesterday's game feeling like Anaheim was
a must win, considering what happened the last time these
two teams met. You're eight points back of Calgary, Anaheim
(19:12):
was one point back of you. You needed to capitalize
on a Calgary loss to Washington yesterday and an Anaheim
team who was behind you in the standing. You didn't
do that. Now thankfully Anahemer. Calgary lost yesterday to Washington.
So what that says. What that means is the Cracker
(19:33):
is still eight points back of the Calgary Flames. I mean,
and you still have two games with Calgary coming up
next week. You have Calgary at home this coming Sunday,
and then you're in Calgary next Saturday going into the
Four Nations break. You win both of those games and
you cut that deficit to four points going into the break,
(19:55):
which is something that I think McCracken will take. Now,
you have to win the games in between as well.
You have to keep that point distance where it is.
And tomorrow night against San Jose, they cannot afford another
performance like last night. They cannot afford another performance that
can Edmonton. And the last time that these two teams
(20:17):
mets in must win territory. I feel like I and
anyone who's ever listened to me knows me, I'm not
an alarmist kind of person, but I'm ringing the bell
right now. We were in this team I feel like
is in must win territory. Given where they are the standings.
The fact that you're now under thirty games left in
(20:39):
the regular season. Trying to overcome an eight point deficit
in less than thirty games is not easy to do.
Now again, you've got three games left against Calgary. You're
eight points in the moment, eight points back of them.
So you win those games. Things are different. You have
to win other ones as well. You have to jump Utah,
you have to jump at a hid now who's already
(21:01):
ahead of you? Vancouver is ahead of you. You've got
two more games left with the Canucks as well. So
I do think there is a path to the Promised Land.
It's not going to be easy, but I do feel like,
I mean, starting with Tamal's game, there needs to be
this must win mentality throughout the locker room.
Speaker 2 (21:24):
All right, onto Sharks matters. Now, let's talk about this.
Dan Rusanowski joining us. He is the long esteemed legendary
play by play voice for the San Jose Sharks on
the Sharks Audio Network. Dan my Man, hello to you,
and welcome back to Seattle as well.
Speaker 6 (21:39):
How you been I've been great, Mike. It's been been
a very interesting year, but every season has its own
great moments to share and fun things to laugh about.
If he thinks to cry about.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
We've kind of gone through the whole gamut of emotions here,
if you will your side, my side as well amongst
these things. But great to have you. Let's talk about this,
Mike Greer in the middle of this whole rebuild, Maclin
celebrating Dan looks like the real deal. You got, Will Smith,
you got your alslav Askarov, William Ecklund. What's the understanding
about the days ahead in the future despite the standings
(22:14):
right now on where the Sharks are going with this?
Speaker 6 (22:18):
Well, I suppose the operative phrase is light at the
end of the tunnel, and it's been a long tunnel
over the last of five Now it's going to be
six years where the Sharks aren't going to the playoffs.
But you mentioned several of the young players that everybody's
excited about. I can throw Baby and Zebelin into that
group too, and I think that this is something that's
bringing a lot of cheer and a lot of hopes
(22:40):
for the future for everybody in San Jose. And I
think that that's for good reason. These guys are all
good hockey players, but they have to go through the
process of adolescence before they can become an adult as
a team, And you know, you want to snap your fingers.
If you're a parent you have a fifteen year old,
you want to be able to just snap your fingers
and suddenly turn your fifteen year old get into a
(23:00):
twenty five year old mature adult. But that's just you
have to live through the ten year period. The Sharks
are hoping it doesn't take ten years, and it probably won't,
certainly in hockey terms, but I think that they're definitely
on the right track to getting your organization back to
where they belong, which, as we all know, is challenging
for a Stanley Cup each and every year, which they
(23:21):
succeeded in doing for twenty years before this rebuild really
started to have to take place. So all in all,
I guess you could say that as they're competitive, they
work hard, they like each other, they're having good moments.
It's not necessarily showing in the standings, but I think
that the progress that's being made is very, very positive.
Speaker 2 (23:41):
I loved hearing your call in the Pittsburgh game the
other day. Dan Sidney Crosby gets one and then celebrating
gets one right back It kind of reminded me of
a passing of the tours type of thing that we're
seeing in this league. And we'll see where celebrating goes
long term, but when's the last time you saw a
player this good this year in a Sharks jersey.
Speaker 6 (24:02):
Well, the kind of passing of the torch thing I'd
like to reflect on for a second first, and I'd
say that I remember when Wayne Gretzky was a young
rookie in the NHL. He had already played a couple
of years in the WHA, but there was one night
when de Lafleur said, young man, I know you're a
great young player, but it's to night, my night. And
for the Montreal Canadians, he had an incredible night. I
(24:24):
think he scored a couple of goals in that game,
and you know, that's the kind of thing that we're
starting to see from some of these established older stars.
Crosby scored a goal, Sealabrini responded, but you know, it
really was a kind of a nice moment. We've seen
this happen a few times. I think that in terms
of players that have come to the San Jose Sharks,
(24:46):
we really haven't seen this from a draft pick in
many respects, since Patrick Marler was a rookie of that
type of level and even you could go beyond that
with Maclin Sealabrinis. Patrick Marlo was a Hall of Famer
and he's a you know, was a friendranchise player without question,
if it's doubt, but this kid has the potential to
be an absolute generational player. We're talking people like Lemieux
(25:09):
and Gretzky and you know, Sydney Crosby and Nick David,
players like that. I think he has the potential to
actually become that. You know, you look at Will Smith.
I think he has the potential to be another Marlow type.
And isn't it interesting that he's living with Marlow and
celebrat he's living with Sartan as if to say, we're
(25:31):
training you for the roles that we used to have.
And I think it's just fascinating to see been a.
Speaker 2 (25:37):
Bit of a cluster with the starts back in the
Sharks net this season. And we'll get to this as
far as the youth part of it, Mackenzie black Wood
onto Colorado. But where's Askarov's game and his workload right now?
In relation to progress?
Speaker 6 (25:49):
I think he's doing well. You know, it's interesting because
he was sort of forced on the scene a little
bit sooner perhaps than they expected. They knew he was
going to get some NHL games this year, they weren't
sure how much any but you know, with the injuries
that the Sharks have had, Banachick with that freak injury
where he was sitting on the bench mine in his
own business and gets hit in the face with the puck,
(26:11):
that's why he's been out. That basically gave the opportunity
for Askarof to jump in and play, and you know,
also at the AHL level, for Georgi Romanof to get
some steady action and to continue to develop his game.
So I think that he's very athletic. He scares the
heck out of the coaches when he starts handling the puck,
(26:33):
which is great. He's really good at it. But it's
just the fact that he's so confident. He had you know,
the other day, he had the puck on his stick
to the right side of the goal, and he had
two guys on him and he was able to stick
handle and get it off to a teammates. You know,
that's enough to give anybody odjective, but if you're a
coach anyway, but it gets the fans on their seats
and makes them a popular guy. And the way I
(26:53):
describe it as a sort of a pay end to
the old days with the California Golden Seals when Gary
Suitcase Smith used to stick handle up the ice pat
send the center redline because he didn't trust his defenseman
on the breakouts. But you know, they don't allow that
anymore in the game of hockey in part because of that.
But we're seeing some fun with Askarov and that personality
is something that that really is going to be popular
(27:15):
with the fans here.
Speaker 2 (27:16):
I joking if it's almost as if he have a
shootout and if the court and Askarov could go, they
would certainly go back and forth. That could be the
goalie matchup coming out here up here for tomorrow night.
But Dan, we've seen a little bit of a Mark
Edward Vlasic on this roster. It's scant, but he's been
around well since my twenties. But we've talked about also
Alex Weinberg, Tyler Toffoley, Mikyle Granlin and you know who
(27:39):
knows who's going to be around here after the trade deadline.
But what are some of the examples that you've seen
from this veteran corps looking to set the standard for
the next young crop right now coming in.
Speaker 6 (27:50):
Well, it reminds me of twenty years ago when Dean
Lombardi was the general manager at the time, and he
had young guys like Piper Smarlo and Brad Stewart and
andre's Usan and Jonathan Cheech, You and so forth, Scott Hannon,
and he wanted to surround those guys with really seasoned
prows who had a great attitude, who understood that they
were there to help teach these young kids how to
(28:12):
be professionals and to teach them the values that they
needed in order to become and winning players. And so
the guys you're mentioning now with the Sharks are very
similar to you know, people like Murray Craven and Mike
Vernon and Kelly Rudy and ron Sutter and Ronnie Stern
and all those guys that were on that team back then,
Brian Marchmont being another one. And so they taught these
(28:34):
kids and they ushered them into the next era. Alex
Wenberg has been excellent. I think he's an underappreciated kind
of a guy. He certainly is well liked in the
dressing room. He just gives a steady effort. He's been
sitting on ninety nine career goals for a while now,
and he's you know, I think the last time he
had another big milestone, it took him a while to
get over the hump. And so maybe he'll go up
(28:56):
to a team he used to play for and get
one when the Sharks play the the Seattle Kraken. But
I think that he's just been a really calming influence.
Mikyle Granlin's been unbelievable for people like Zeterlin and Eckland
and now also Will Smith. I mean, he's just been
a tremendous influence. And Mark Edward Lastik, the old pro
(29:17):
is around nineteen years just the very coachable still. Brian
Orsofsky has mentioned that a couple of times, even at
this stage of his career, understands where he's at, that
knows he's not going to play every single game. But
somebody who's played thirteen hundred games all in the Shark's uniform,
that's just the remarkable achievement. You know, he's got one
more year if I'm not mistaken left on his contract.
(29:37):
I hope he plays next year because that would be
twenty years in the Sharks uniform. He'd be only the
second player to do that, Marlow being the other one.
But we'll see how that all goes. And that gets
back to what you're talking about. What's going to happen
as the team's approach the deadline. You know, where does
Mike Grier see where these guys actually are. Are they
part of the longer term solution or are they simp
(30:00):
people that are going to provide more assets for the future.
You know, Cody cc on defense and Jan Ruda also,
these are guys that have done a really good job
in working with young people like Henry's run, and so
I think that I think they've all done a good
job that way. They'd all love to be winning a
lot more than they have been on it to folly
be the first to tell you that, But I think
(30:21):
that they are a good cores and it's going to
be interesting to see because, as they said, if if
Mike decides to, if he gets some offers for some
of these guys to be part of playoff teams to
give him a chance to win a Stanley Cup, he
might afford them that opportunity, and that means he'd have
to sign a couple of extra free agents over the
summer to continue that process. And so that's going to
be one of the interesting I shall we say, sidebars
(30:44):
to the rest of the season.
Speaker 2 (30:45):
Dan the krack and had the mom's trip earlier this
last week. Also the family things going right around now
and the dads are on the Shark's trip. How's the
experience so far, Well, it's great.
Speaker 6 (30:56):
They we're all at the game the other night against
the Penguins, in the suite themselves and getting ready for
the trip to Seattle. And I really think this is
a great tradition that the teams have put together because
you know, you have to make sure that you thank
the parents, the fathers, the mothers, the uncles, everybody who
is taking part in making these guys professional athletes. And
(31:18):
they you know, you don't do it necessarily on your own.
All the stuff you do on the ices that he's
on your own, but you need that support, and I
think it's just a great way of giving back and
showing their appreciation. I think the dads have as much
fun as the players and I can remember one time.
They were his first ever Shark's father's trip. San Jose
traveled to Arizona and Dallas on a two game trip.
(31:39):
First night, they lost eight to nothing, and Jeremy Ronick
had his final hat trick in the NHL against San Jose.
That was before he joined the club. And I was
on the plane with all the dads while Doug Wilson
was on the bus and keeping the players on, yelling
at them and that very very rare a general manager
would do that. And one of the dads go over
(32:00):
and looked at me and he goes, SEEZ, I'm glad
I don't have to worry about this anymore. And then
all the dads were acting like kids when they were
all saying each other quite every they're coming on the plane,
you know, be quiet, make sure you make sure you
don't say anything. And it was really really fun.
Speaker 2 (32:15):
Before we cut you loose. Dan Ryan Worzowski among the
young up and coming coaches in this league, and his
higher turning plenty of heads they promoted from within. In
what ways has he put his stamp on this team?
Speaker 6 (32:27):
Now? He's a very competitive man, and he's very intense
and he expects a lot from all of his players,
but yet he's very approachable and I think that I
think the fact that he understands where the team has
been the last couple of years being in the assistant
coaching role under David Quinn is an advantage. The fact
that he has always had success wherever he has been.
(32:50):
It's been on two Calder Cup championship teams. One is
an assistant coach in Charlotte and the other is the
head coach in Chicago back in twenty twenty two. He
works well with young He's a good listener, but he's
also that competitive guy that wants the Sharks to play
a style of hockey that's difficult to play against, the
style of hockey that basically they had the last time
(33:12):
they rebuilt this team, and so I think that that's
all really positive. He's learning as the coach too. But
he's got a veteran like Doug Huda, who's been around
forever working with the defense. He's got Brian Wiseman, who's
one of the better minds in terms of constructing a
power play in the game. And those are the guys
on the bench. Jeff Ulmer also an important part of that,
(33:32):
and Thomas Spear too, the goaltending coach. I mean, this
is a really good staff that works well together. They
like each other very much, and I think you have
to do that if you're spending all that time together.
But I'd say his greatest strength is he brings people together.
He gets them to play for him, and he has
that expectations and competitiveness that the team really needs. And
you know how a team takes on the personality of
(33:54):
its coach in many respects. Even though the Sharks necessarily
didn't win, they were competitive in a lot of those
watchers that during the course of the early station of
the season here first half.
Speaker 2 (34:04):
Because of that, they're coming off a two to one
win over the Pittsburgh Penguins and Seattle's Thursday just got
even brighter because of the radiant wisdom that you have
brought in. My man, Dan, thanks so much here for
you your insight. Looking forward to seeing you once again here.
Speaker 6 (34:18):
Thanks, I appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (34:21):
All right, great to as usual hear from Dan Ruzanowski.
Looking forward to seeing him in the press box coming
up this evening. Also a massive thank you to ever
it fits you for joining our airwave to discuss more
of this, plus the game ahead. As a krack and
looking to end a three game winless skit against San Jose,
holding a slide edge at seven and six. The Sharks
(34:42):
have won twice in two meetings in this year's head
to head series, Ellie Tolben and carrying a three game
goal streak into this evening. Meanwhile, Will Smith, a young
name that you heard from Dan Rusanowski minutes ago. He
comes in with points in five consecutive games. We'll see
what's Jose team the Kraken had to deal with. Before
the two to one win for the Sharks against Pittsburgh Monday,
(35:05):
the Sharks had gone through six consecutive games, all losses
and giving up four goals or more, the most coming
in a seven to five loss against Nashville back on
the twenty first of January. Last krack and win against
San Jose ten months ago, when the Kracken knocked off
the Sharks four to two on April first of last season.
Maddy Benier's, Oliver b York's Rand Shane Wright and Jared
(35:27):
McCann each had goals in that victory. Hope you can
join us once again. Airtime coverage seven o'clock from Climbing
Pledge Arena. The game comes your way little past seven
thirty pm Pacific time, once again, all across the Emerald
Queen Casino Kraken Audio Network. Big thank you to Everett,
fits You and Andrewsanowski for joining us and for kracking
this morning. I'm Mike Benton, Happy Wednesday.
Speaker 4 (35:50):
You're home for the Kraken Sports Radio ninety three point
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