Sharks' Nedeljkovic to Start vs. Flyers as Askarov Deals with Illness, Tocchet Calls Celebrini a "Hockey Nerd"
San Jose Sharks goalie Alex Nedeljkovic will take the starting role against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday due to an illness affecting teammate Yaroslav Askarov. Coach Ryan Warsofsky has assured reporters that Askarov's absence won't significantly impact his playing time, as the Sharks prepare for their third game in a five-game road trip.
Nedeljkovic finished with 28 saves and led the Sharks to a convincing 4-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. His recent performance is a welcome turnaround from a stretch of three straight losses without him, where he posted a .870 save percentage. "I'm happy that I put us in a position to win," Nedeljkovic said after the game.
Tocchet's Endorsement for Celebrini
Philadelphia Flyers coach Rick Tocchet lavished praise on Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, calling him "a hockey nerd" and expressing admiration for his skillset. Celebrini currently leads the NHL with 43 points in 30 games, showcasing his exceptional all-around game. Tocchet sees Celebrini as a talented player who consistently plays 20 minutes per night without the puck.
The Sharks coach's comments highlight the growing attention on Celebrini, who has caught the eye of Hockey Canada's management group and assistant coaches like Tocchet. The Canadian Olympian coaching staff is keeping close tabs on him, and Armstrong has confirmed that he remains in the mix for a potential Olympic roster spot.
Grundstrom Returns to Flyers
Ex-Sharks winger Carl Grundstrom will return to action for the Flyers on Tuesday, marking his second game of the season with Philadelphia. After being traded by San Jose, Grundstrom played for the team's AHL affiliate and had 15 points in 19 games before being recalled.
With Skinner Scratched
Sharks forward Jeff Skinner was scratched from Tuesday's lineup, despite returning to action just last week after a 10-game absence due to injury. Warsofsky stated that he wanted to go with a larger lineup against the Flyers' heavier team and opted not to start Skinner alongside Ryan Reaves on the fourth line.
The Sharks have a crucial matchup ahead of them as they aim to maintain their spot in the Western Conference wild card race.
San Jose Sharks goalie Alex Nedeljkovic will take the starting role against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday due to an illness affecting teammate Yaroslav Askarov. Coach Ryan Warsofsky has assured reporters that Askarov's absence won't significantly impact his playing time, as the Sharks prepare for their third game in a five-game road trip.
Nedeljkovic finished with 28 saves and led the Sharks to a convincing 4-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. His recent performance is a welcome turnaround from a stretch of three straight losses without him, where he posted a .870 save percentage. "I'm happy that I put us in a position to win," Nedeljkovic said after the game.
Tocchet's Endorsement for Celebrini
Philadelphia Flyers coach Rick Tocchet lavished praise on Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, calling him "a hockey nerd" and expressing admiration for his skillset. Celebrini currently leads the NHL with 43 points in 30 games, showcasing his exceptional all-around game. Tocchet sees Celebrini as a talented player who consistently plays 20 minutes per night without the puck.
The Sharks coach's comments highlight the growing attention on Celebrini, who has caught the eye of Hockey Canada's management group and assistant coaches like Tocchet. The Canadian Olympian coaching staff is keeping close tabs on him, and Armstrong has confirmed that he remains in the mix for a potential Olympic roster spot.
Grundstrom Returns to Flyers
Ex-Sharks winger Carl Grundstrom will return to action for the Flyers on Tuesday, marking his second game of the season with Philadelphia. After being traded by San Jose, Grundstrom played for the team's AHL affiliate and had 15 points in 19 games before being recalled.
With Skinner Scratched
Sharks forward Jeff Skinner was scratched from Tuesday's lineup, despite returning to action just last week after a 10-game absence due to injury. Warsofsky stated that he wanted to go with a larger lineup against the Flyers' heavier team and opted not to start Skinner alongside Ryan Reaves on the fourth line.
The Sharks have a crucial matchup ahead of them as they aim to maintain their spot in the Western Conference wild card race.
! I mean, 43 points in 30 games is straight fire 
. He's like a hockey machine 
. And Tocchet giving him that "hockey nerd" label? Lowkey respect 
. 
. We've seen what he can do when he's healthy 
. And Grundstrom back with the Flyers? Nice to see him get some action 
.
. But I guess Warsofsky wants to mix it up and go big against Philly 
. The Sharks gotta win this one to stay in wild card contention 
.
what's up with Rick Tocchet calling Macklin Celebrini "a hockey nerd"?! Like, isn't that supposed to be a compliment? 
I get it, Celebrini's got some serious skills and all, but come on, Tocchet can do better than that! And btw, Carl Grundstrom is back with the Flyers after getting traded away from the Sharks... maybe he should've seen it coming 
. Also, Jeff Skinner was scratched again?! What's going on with his injury? 
Anyway, it's cool that Celebrini is killing it out there and catching the eye of Hockey Canada. Let's hope he stays on form and keeps up those points! 
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. celebrini's on fire, tho... 43 points in 30 games? that's insane 
. With 43 points in 30 games, he's definitely a player to watch out for. I'm loving how Hockey Canada's management group is keeping an eye on him too 
, hope he recovers soon and gets back in the lineup ASAP. And Carl Grundstrom returning to action for the Flyers is a nice boost for their team 
And what's with these NHL teams always swapping players around like they're playing a game of musical chairs? Carl Grundstrom goes from San Jose to the AHL to back to Philly... it's just too much for me. 
, racking up points left and right. The praise from Tocchet is no surprise though - the guy's skills are on another level 
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I think the Flyers' defense is gonna be put thru the wringer against Nedeljkovic's squad 
They just can't contain Celebrini's skills, and Grundstrom's return will add some extra firepower 
he's literally making hockey nerd proud