Preview/Lines #76: Gushchin To Make NHL Debut, Criscuolo Talks San Jose Revival

The exodus of Barracuda players to the San Jose Sharks continues.

After sending Martin Kaut down yesterday, the Sharks recalled Danil Gushchin and Kyle Criscuolo.

Gushchin, 21, was a 2020 Sharks’ third-round pick. He’s enjoyed a fine rookie pro season, piling up 36 points in 61 AHL games. He’s been a fixture on the Barracuda’s top power play unit.

Gushchin will be making his NHL debut.

“He plays at a pace, he’s got skill,” head coach David Quinn offered. “He’s really got great offensive anticipation.”

Gushchin says his mom, dad, sister, grandfather will be watching his NHL debut from home.

Grateful to his dad in particular, who took him as a kid to the US for hockey camps: "My dad did everything for me."

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) April 1, 2023

Criscuolo, 30, was acquired by the Sharks for Jasper Weatherby in January. The AHL veteran has provided a leadership and scoring spark for the Barracuda, notching 10 goals in 26 games, after a slow start to the season with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

“I think just coach [John McCarthy] has been pretty clear with me what my role is when I got here,” Criscuolo said about his West Coast revival. “Just kind of talked me through stuff and the way that we play. I think we play an aggressive style, and it suits my game well. Just getting in on the forecheck and creating some offense that way, it’s been good for me.”

Criscuolo made his NHL debut in Nov. 2017 with the Buffalo Sabres, and last played up top with the Detroit Red Wings last season. In 15 NHL appearances, he has two assists.

San Jose Sharks (21-39-15)

Quinn confirms that Gushchin will make his NHL debut, Criscuolo will play too. Gushchin will be with Hertl, Criscuolo with Lorentz. Kahkonen starts.

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) April 1, 2023

Oskar Lindblom has an upper-body injury stemming from the Sharks’ last game, and Martin Kaut was sent back to the Cuda yesterday.

Arizona Coyotes (27-36-13)

Coyotes coach André Tourigny said that Ivan Prosvetov will start in goal on Saturday vs. the San José Sharks.

— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) April 1, 2023

Where to Watch

The San Jose Sharks will take on the Arizona Coyotes at 7 PM PST at Mullett Arena. Watch it live on NBC Sports California. Listen to it on the Sharks Audio Network.