Preview/Lines #78: Raska Recalled, What Does He Need To Learn From…Tony Granato?

Adam Raska is the next Barracuda player to get a shot with the San Jose Sharks.

“We’ve given guys opportunities that have earned it and we feel like a bunch of guys down there have earned it. It’s his chance,” head coach David Quinn offered this morning.

The 2020 seventh-round pick made his NHL debut last year, going scoreless in five games. He provided a consistent physical presence, however, racking up 15 hits, and in fact, small sample size alert, he led the Sharks last year with 22.34 Hits Per 60.

“I expect he’ll do that tonight,” Quinn laughed.

Czech star Tomas Hertl, at the mention of his countryman Raska’s recall, also smiled, “I love to see his energy.”

Besides being physical though, there is something that Raska will have to focus on with the big club. He’s ninth in the AHL with 121 penalty minutes. Part of that total, of course, is Raska’s six fights, which I’m sure Quinn doesn’t mind.

It’s the other stuff.

“Being physical without taking a penalty is a skill,” Quinn said.

That actually reminds me of something that San Jose Barracuda GM Joe Will told me a couple months ago. Talking about on-the-ice pests like Raska and Ozzy Wiesblatt, he cited legendary irritant Tony Granato.

“Years ago, Tony Granato was a guy we talked with about that. He goes, ‘The game I play, is only effective if my plus-minus on drawing/taking penalties is a plus,’” Will recalled. “I’ll never forget when he said that, and that’s what those type of players — Raska and Wiesblatt — have to make sure they are. Or you’re just killing penalties and you’re in trouble.”

Joe Will on How Gushchin, Robins, Wiesblatt, Other Sharks Prospects Are Progressing (+)

San Jose Sharks (22-39-16)

Raska will play, Lindblom still out (though practicing). No other changes, Hertl will be in, Kahkonen starts

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) April 6, 2023

Colorado Avalanche (46-24-6)

Avalanche vs. Sharks, Game 77: Lines, Starting Goalies & How to Watch https://t.co/RmqCN4hPzP

— Colorado Hockey Now (@ColHockeyNow) April 6, 2023

Where To Watch

The San Jose Sharks will take on the Colorado Avalanche at 7:30 PM PST at SAP Center. Watch it live on NBC Sports California. Listen to it on the Sharks Audio Network.