San Jose Sharks defenseman John Klingberg will be a healthy scratch against the Boston Bruins on Sunday.
Top Sharks defense prospect Sam Dickinson will return to the lineup after being a healthy scratch for a development day on Saturday.
Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky says the reason behind the move is that Sunday’s game is the second half of a back-to-back, and he wants fresh legs. When asked what the message to Klingberg was when he was scratched, Warsofsky opted to keep that between them.
“Going to keep that private. A lot of it has to do with eight defensemen and back-to-back,” Warsofsky said.
Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
Warsofsky didn’t say what the defense pairs or forward lines would look like. Warmup is scheduled to begin around 4:30 p.m.
With Klingberg out of the lineup, the Sharks have a different look on their power play. Dmitry Orlov has often been moved to PP1 when Klingberg is out, but Warsofsky didn’t confirm that change for Sunday.
Warsofsky & Klingberg discuss critical mistakes
Klingberg spoke after Saturday’s 3-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators, and there was apparent frustration with the way the San Jose Sharks played.
“That’s exactly what happens in the second period. You’re gonna get it deep behind them a lot of times, but then you’re going for a change and they’re gonna have time to regroup and get it the other way,” Klingberg said.
Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
“That’s the battle in the second period. The team that takes care of the puck the most they’re gonna play more on the offensive side of the game. We were tired. We had longer shifts in the second period, and as we’re getting it out and getting it deep, everyone has to change. We’re not getting on the forecheck, so it’s easy breakouts for them.”
Klingberg also admitted fault for the eventual game-winning goal due to a missed assignment.
“I mean, I’m a D, I got to know what’s going on behind me,” Klingberg said. “But I’m thinking it’s a 1-1-3 [forecheck], so I’m gapping out on [Tim Stutzle], and then they pass it, and there’s a breakaway behind me. I gotta realize that a lot quicker.”
Line changes and not scanning for opposing players around you are something the San Jose Sharks need to clean up on Sunday.
Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
“I still think our D can defend that a lot better. The change is terrible, but it’s still a two-on-two and they get underneath us,” Warsofsky said. “As a defenseman, you’ve got to be able to scan and see what’s around you. To the left. To the right. What’s in front of you.
That’s what makes a great defenseman. Really good defenseman to play in this league, you gotta be able to scan. We’re not doing a good job of scanning with our defense.”
Read more news and stories about the San Jose Sharks on Sharks Hockey Digest! Bookmark the page and follow Sharks Hockey Digest on Twitter @SharksHKYDigest!
Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.