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Sharks Split Up Celebrini & Smith for Offense
28 Oct
Summary
- Sharks will split up linemates Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith for the first time this season.
- The team seeks to improve their 5-on-5 offense, with only 16 goals in 12 games.
- Two new defensive pairings and a returning forward will also debut in the game.
The San Jose Sharks are shaking up their forward lines for Tuesday's game against the Buffalo Sabres, notably separating long-time linemates Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. This move is intended to address the team's anemic even-strength offense, which has produced only 16 goals in 12 games, placing them among the NHL's lowest-scoring teams in this category.
Coach Ryan Warsofsky explained the decision stems from a desire to balance the lines and generate more offense, especially with key players like Alexander Wennberg and Igor Chernyshov sidelined. Celebrini and Smith, who have contributed significantly to the Sharks' goal total, will now center the top line and play on the second line, respectively, aiming to provide different sparks.
The Sharks will also feature new defensive pairings, with Jacob Trouba paired with Darnell Nurse, and Sam Dickinson alongside Michael Kesselring. Luca Cagnoni returns to the lineup, replacing Nolan Allan and playing with Dmitry Orlov. Goaltender Yaroslav Askarov is slated to start, seeking to continue his recent strong performance between the pipes.
