On Boughner’s Job Security, Sawchenko Has Something to Prove

ANAHEIM — On site from the San Jose Sharks-Anaheim Ducks tilt, check out my “Sharks Pregame Live” hit!

.@Sheng_Peng drops by to chat about 24-year-old goaltender Zach Sawchenko making his first NHL start tonight pic.twitter.com/AF1L5UiMJA

— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) March 7, 2022

(I forgot to move my backpack.)

Is Bob Boughner’s job on the line over the next 27 games? I talk about how the San Jose Sharks have to play, even if they’re banged up, if they want Boughner to return next year. The team won’t say so, and understandably so, but it’s not about making the playoffs now, it’s about doing your best to stay together, play hard. Young guys are playing for jobs, maybe Bob is coaching for his?

Also, there was a lot of consternation about head coach Bob Boughner and goaltending coach Evgeni Nabokov riding James Reimer for 13 straight games, including two back-to-back games. The San Jose Sharks won’t say it, but it’s a sign of a lack in confidence in the inexperienced Zach Sawchenko, who was Reimer’s back-up through these 13 starts. What better way to prove everybody, including your coaches, wrong by taking control of the net in your first start?