Granlund, Stars Embarrass Sharks 8-3

The San Jose Sharks welcome the Dallas Stars’ Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci back into SAP Center.

William Eklund and Fabian Zetterlund and Walker Duehr scored, but the Sharks were embarrassed 8-3.

Period 1

Eklund goal: This line playing with great pace to start. Celebrini made a beaut move on Hintz, though puck went out after that. But Celebrini jumps on the puck on the forecheck, what a pass to Eklund.

Zetterlund goal: Ferraro springs Poturalski coming up together, perfect pass in stride. Poturalski finds Smith in the slot, pretty, Smith can’t get all of it, but Zetterlund able to bully it in. Of course Eklund and Zetterlund would score in Granlund’s return.

Duchene goal: Granlund gets an assist. Loose puck in the slot, Duchene shot deflects off Walman, flutters in.

Liljegren penalty: He’s been playing a harder defensive game recently, but that’s not a good penalty. Coaches won’t be happy with that.

There's a flutter of excitement when Celebrini grabs the puck and charges down the ice with it.

They know they're seeing someone special.

Celebrini goes zone to zone, draws a penalty

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) February 9, 2025

Robertson goal: Walman looked like he was playing the rebound and not the man.

8 left: Mukhamadullin does a nice job skating and stickhandling his way out of trouble that a telegraphed Dellandrea pass put him in. Was behind Vanecek. Real nice, high-level stuff there.

Marchment goal: Stars just outworking and overpowering the San Jose Sharks. So impressive. Marchment bullies Liljegren down low, puts back to Liljegren as puck comes in, knocking him down. Then Graf is there, but can’t contain the stick.

This Pete DeBoer pre-game quote made me laugh. DeBoer was talking about what would eventually be a 5-4 shootout loss to the Los Angeles Kings: “We got up 4-3 in the third, Robertson has a wide-open net to make it 5-3. It’s game over with about eight minutes left.” That kind of confidence with a two-goal lead, you only get from a veteran team.

3 left: San Jose Sharks with a pulse, finally. Second line. Some cycle, some creativity. Poturalski, he’s got offensive skill, for sure. But not enough pace, quick feet, or size, in the end.

Period 2

1 in: Eklund with a couple great chances, misses the net though. One was a beaut set-up from Celebrini. Good start. Sharks obviously need to up their compete

4 in: Thrun back out there after an apparent first period benching.

5 in: Mukhamadullin has done that a couple times this week, no shot lane, fire it off end boards for a dangerous rebound in front.

Duchene goal: Beautiful high tip there on the power play.

8 in: Smith does a great job on entry, protecting the puck off a Celebrini pass, holding it for Celebrini to streak back in down the slot.

6 left: Ferraro good DZ puck battle win on Johnston, but Poturalski loses it trying to advance it. Sharks hemmed in. That’s sort of a microcosm of Ferraro’s time with the Sharks, if you’re looking at it in Ferraro’s favor.

Bourque goal: Sharks ceding the middle of the ice too much. Still trying to play rush hockey instead of grinding it. One eye toward the vacation. See you on the 18th for practice. I think you’d like Vanecek to have that.

Period 3

Celebrini got off to quick start tonight, but too cute with puck today overall, I think. Despite his gaffes, much preferred his Vancouver game.

1 in: Poturalski does good work to cover for Smith there defensively.

2 in: Fourth-line forecheck a step behind, can’t establish, Stars go out on 2-on-1, big Vanecek save.

A lot of hope hockey from the Sharks. Don’t seem to want to grind with the Stars.

7 in: Two long cross-ice NZ passes miss, one from Poturalski, one from Toffoli. They could’ve taken a couple steps forward, made better plays, not that much pressure. Need better hockey here from the vets too.

Johnston goal: No idea how he gets so open.

Harley goal: Simpsons stop it he’s already dead GIF. Vanecek needs that one too. Not sure why Georgiev was never put in there.

Duehr goal: Walker Duehr, man of the people, getting the fans some tacos.

Benn goal: Sharks just zonked out.