The San Jose Sharks face a critical stretch as they pursue a playoff berth in the tightly contested Western Conference, potentially without key center Alex Wennberg.
Wennberg’s Injury Threatens Sharks’ Playoff Push
Wennberg missed Sunday’s game against the Ottawa Senators due to an upper-body injury, and his availability for Tuesday’s matchup against the Edmonton Oilers remains uncertain. Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky stated he has no timeline for the veteran forward’s return, adding the injury occurred during Saturday’s 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens.
The 31-year-old Wennberg is fourth in team scoring with 43 points in 64 games. He also plays a significant role on the penalty kill, leads the team in faceoffs, and typically matches up against opposing teams’ top lines. Against the Oilers, he would likely be tasked with defending Connor McDavid, the NHL’s leading scorer with 114 points in 68 games.
If Wennberg is unable to play, Philipp Kurashev or Macklin Celebrini are likely to take on that responsibility. Kurashev filled the third-line center role against the Senators, winning five of seven faceoffs, though his line struggled to generate scoring chances.
The Sharks signed Wennberg to a three-year, $18 million contract extension in January, underscoring his importance to the team. He had not missed a game this season prior to Sunday’s contest. He leads the team’s forwards in shorthanded time on ice (140:10) and takes the most faceoffs while the Sharks are shorthanded or in the defensive zone.
Sunday’s game against the Senators highlighted Wennberg’s absence, with the Sharks struggling on faceoffs (6-for-17 on defensive-zone draws) and the penalty kill going 1-for-3. Winger Collin Graf acknowledged the team didn’t adequately compensate for his absence, stating, “He does it all for us…and we didn’t step up enough in his absence.”
Currently 5-3-2 since the Olympic break, the Sharks are one point behind the Seattle Kraken for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference, with one game in hand. They are also five points behind the Oilers for third place in the Pacific Division, with three games in hand. However, their playoff chances dipped from 55% to 39.1% following Sunday’s loss, according to MoneyPuck.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alex Wennberg’s role on the Sharks?
Alex Wennberg is a key forward for the Sharks, ranking fourth in team scoring with 43 points in 64 games. He also plays a significant role on the penalty kill, leads the team in faceoffs, and regularly matches up against opposing teams’ top lines.
What was the outcome of the Sharks’ game against the Senators?
The Sharks lost to the Ottawa Senators 7-4 on Sunday. The team struggled on faceoffs and the penalty kill during the game.
What is the Sharks’ current playoff outlook?
The Sharks are still in contention for a playoff spot, but their chances dipped to 39.1% after a loss to the Senators. They are one point behind the Seattle Kraken for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
As the Sharks navigate this challenging period, will they be able to maintain their playoff hopes without a key contributor in Alex Wennberg?
