Josh Frojelin
Maybe John Klingberg was also wondering where his game is at.
After the San Jose Sharks‘ 4-1 loss at the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, Klingberg, -3 in defeat, sat in his stall, staring at the ceiling, collecting himself before his post-game media availability.
It was a different story just 10 days ago, also in Seattle: After the Sharks’ 6-1 rout of the Kraken, head coach Ryan Warsofsky showed some sass, when asked about keeping the already much-criticized defenseman, who had scored a power play goal, on the top PP unit.
On Monday, for the first tine when healthy this season, Klingberg was no longer quarterbacking either power play unit.
It appears that the 33-year-old defenseman will be scratched tomorrow.
“[Klingberg] knows he can play better,” Warsofsky said.
How? Klingberg also shared his reaction to these demotions.
While the Sharks’ power play has scored just twice on their last 17 opportunities, Warsofsky clarified that’s not the primary reason for Klingberg’s demotion:
“There’s better hockey in him, 5-on-5,” Warsofsky said. “We’re going to keep getting to it. [The team has] a lot of defensemen.”
While neither Warsofsky nor Klingberg definitively said the veteran defenseman would be scratched tomorrow, it seems like it. It’s not a decision Warsofsky is taking lightly.
“It comes with the business and being a coach,” he said. “You’re going to make tough decisions and lineups, and it’s up to myself to get to get them going again, play better, and we’ve got to work together and do that.”
For Klingberg, a premier offensive defenseman with the Dallas Stars from 2016 to 2022, two top-six Norris Trophy finishes on his resume, this has to sting. John Klingberg has missed the majority of the last two seasons with injury, but he noted that it was one of the first times that he might be healthy scratched for a game.
“There’s a risk-and-reward type of defenseman, a lot of teams have those types of players, but you have to get the reward. And we really haven’t got a lot of that,” Warsofsky said. “Will we get that at some point? I think we will. I think he’s got the ability. We’ve seen that in his career. But we need him, just little bit of a reset here.”
The veteran defenseman discussed his thoughts on the news, his recent play, and how he can return to the Sharks’ lineup after today’s practice.
Klingberg, on his removal from the power play:
I think it’s more about the 5-on-5 play than just the power play. So, it looks like I’m not gonna play tomorrow.
Klingberg, on how he can return to the lineup:
I think just have a little bit better puck play. Be more consistent with the puck.
Klingberg, on if this news is hard to handle:
Yeah, but it’s hockey. I mean, they’re gonna put the best team on the ice. If that’s what the coaches feel like right now, that’s what they’re going with. [I’ve] just got to work my way back.
Klingberg, on if he places a lot of pressure on himself:
Yeah, for sure. More pressure than anyone else.
Klingberg, on his defensive view of the first Seattle Kraken goal Saturday:
It happens fast. It’s a little bit of a breakdown on our 1-1-3. I have to go out towards the board, but at the same time, I can’t let that guy go behind me.
Klingberg, on if any coaches addressed him today:
No, I think it’s pretty clear. So, it’s up to me to play good.
Klingberg, on how tough it is to watch power play drills:
It’s the same for everyone. You play your best team. If they think this is what they want to do, I’m still part of the team. I’m gonna work my butt off to get back to the lineup and help this team win. That’s just how it works.
Klingberg, on if this is part of the competition, having eight NHL defensemen on the San Jose Sharks roster:
Yeah, for sure. That’s how it is everywhere. [There’s] nothing weird about it.
Klingberg, on if he’s ever regularly been scratched:
It has happened probably one or two times, but it’s new for me. But, we’ll work through it.