SJHN Daily: Chrona, Cooley Loved the ‘Goalie Chariot’—Blackwood Did Not

You can tell that Mackenzie Blackwood is a veteran NHL’er.

Unlike Devin Cooley, first NHL start tomorrow in Chicago, and rookie Magnus Chrona, just seven NHL games to his credit, Blackwood did not appreciate the free ride that he received yesterday from the Columbus Blue Jackets’ visiting locker room to the adjoining practice rink.

The goalie's chariot awaits 🎠 pic.twitter.com/Lswcb5Wkkh

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 15, 2024

“I thought it was bumpy,” Blackwood joked with San Jose Hockeey Now. “It’s like when you get on an airplane and it’s way too bumpy and the pilot turns way too hard, it’s like dude, just keep it smooth, please. I don’t know if you think you’re in Top Gun here, but we’re just trying to land safely.”

Chrona, 23, saw it another way: “It was awesome. I got a free ride. I forgot to tip.”

“We’re definitely pretty spoiled here,” Cooley, 26, said. “Five out of five [stars].”

“I’m not giving five stars,” Blackwood complained. “At one point of time, I was riding backwards.”

“It’s how you know a guy’s been in the league for too long,” Cooley smiled. “He’s not like us, appreciating everyday.”

Between friends Blackwood and Kaapo Kahkonen, the San Jose Sharks’ goalie room has seemed light all season, compared to the other more beleaguered positions on the last-place squad. Nice to see that continue, even with Kahkonen traded!

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW

Can the Sharks unlock the talents of Klim Kostin?

Jan Rutta is happy to still be a part of the San Jose Sharks rebuild after a wild trade deadline.

San Jose coach David Quinn told reporters why he decided to roll with an unusual 13 forward-five defensemen lineup against the Penguins.

Mikael Granlund impressed in his return from injury (and to Pittsburgh), but the Sharks lost 6-3.

Erik Karlsson was surprised by the blockbuster trade which sent Tomas Hertl to the Vegas Golden Knights.

A bunch of Jaromir Jagr bobbleheads were stolen ahead of Thursday’s game in Pittsburgh.

IN OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

The San Jose Sharks provided a behind-the-scenes look at Randy Hahn calling Klim Kostin’s first goal as a Shark.

Randy calls Klim Kostin's first goal as a Shark! 🦈@sharkvoice | @kl1mkost1n pic.twitter.com/msd5y0SFKg

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 15, 2024

Locked On Sharks broke down what could happen with the 2024 first-round pick Pittsburgh owes San Jose.

The #SJSharks survive an injury scare with Mikael Granlund but are unable to defeat the #LetsGoPens
🦈 Granlund's importance to Sharks
🦈 Strong 1st period, but unable to sustain play
🦈 Chat w/ @LO_Penguins about 2024 1st

📺 https://t.co/yoQ6Tv6xhE
🎧 https://t.co/xsVablxd64 pic.twitter.com/bUI9UZM6TF

— Locked on Sharks (@LockedOnSharks) March 15, 2024

Sharks prospect Will Smith was a first-team Hockey East All-Star!

Announcing the 2023-2024 #HockeyEast Second-Team All-Stars💫

📰: https://t.co/rNsBfTsrpS#WhereChampionsPlay pic.twitter.com/u90UBkrnlt

— Hockey East (@hockey_east) March 15, 2024

AROUND THE NHL…

Vladimir Tarasenko already looks like a perfect fit for the Florida Panthers.

The Pittsburgh Penguins finally feel a spark that could help them make a run for a playoff spot.

Chicago Blackhawks prospect Landon Slaggert is giving fans more to look forward to when watching the team, writes CHN’s Nate Brown.

The Colorado Avalanche knew they would lose Bowen Byram eventually.

ESPN gave its latest power rankings, plus each team’s most pivotal player down the stretch.

The New Jersey Devils will revisit a trade for star Nashville Predators goalie Juuse Saros this summer.

Why did a former NHL first-round pick walk away from hockey to perform some odd jobs?

The Philadelphia Flyers are in trouble, writes PHN’s Sam Carchidi.