Sharks Locker Room: Eklund on Karlsson’s Epic Year, Hertl Trying to Lead Young Linemates

The San Jose Sharks rallied, not with a win, but at least a presentable performance in a 4-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues.

It’s not saying much, but a far cry from Tuesday’s 6-0 and 43-13 shots blitzkrieg at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche.

Tomas Hertl spoke on his young linemates William Eklund and Fabian Zetterlund, and being a leader for them.

Eklund shared his thoughts about his front-row seat for Erik Karlsson’s renaissance campaign.

Karlsson sets season-high 83 points in just 66 games, had 82 in 82 in 2015-16. Also ties Burns's #SJSharks franchise record for most defenseman points in a season, set in 2018-19.

His career-high in goals was 21 in 2014-15. Just hit 20 for the 3rd time in his career

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) March 10, 2023

What are the most up-to-date Stanley Cup odds? Check out FanDuel!

And San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn detailed the breakdowns that lost his team the game.

See Tomas Hertl’s interview here

Tomas Hertl, on what has to get better on the San Jose Sharks power play:

I think we have to move the puck quickly, but we have to just have more shots. I think we cannot wait and wait for the perfect play. And sometimes, when it’s not going [our] away, we have to just keep it simple, play hard, and just crash the net.

Hertl, on William Eklund’s performance:

So far [it] was [his] best game.

He played well. He’s smart kid, always tries to work hard. He’s smart with the puck, always making small little plays.

Hertl, on Fabian Zetterlund’s game:

He’s got a good shot. He’s strong. He’s not scared [to] take a hit and work hard.

I think it was one of his best games too, the line. It’ll come if he keeps working, making strong plays and just keep putting pucks on the net. Eventually, one goal will get in.

They’re both smart kids and play hard.

I try to help them, but I have to be better for them there.

Hertl, on being a leader for his linemates:

I have to just keep working, especially now, I have two young guys with me, I want to help them, I want to make them better.

Get ready for the rest of the season and for next year. They have a lot of potential, and I have to be there for them and help them every night. Starting with, like what I tell them, I have to make smart plays, I have to make chances for them, and help them out.

See William Eklund’s interview here

William Eklund, on getting a front-row seat to Erik Karlsson’s renaissance campaign:

You grew up watching that guy on television. To see him live, see what he’s doing out there, is just spectacular. I’m so glad for him. He really deserves that.

See David Quinn’s interview here

David Quinn, on the breakdowns that cost San Jose Sharks the game:

Just a couple of big breakdowns on their goals that cost us. We run a faceoff play, we don’t execute, and ends up in the back of our net.

We make a bad read on an easy initial rush for the third goal. We get everybody back into place. We just make a bad read. Disappointing from that end of it.

Quinn, on Andreas Johnsson:

He gives you a great effort. He’s coachable, wants to do the right thing. You can see him get more comfortable.

He’s been in the American League most of the year. So he’s getting used to playing at this pace.