Preview/Lines #74: Ferraro Trying To Find Pre-Surgery Form

The end of the regular season is fast approaching for the San Jose Sharks, but just because they’re mathematically eliminated from the playoffs doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty to look forward to. Injuries are rife at the end of the season, but Mario Ferraro is on the other end of the spectrum, seeming to have miraculously healed from a broken left leg in a matter of weeks.

His return to the lineup has injected a dose of energy, positivity, and defensive acumen back into the locker room. And, his overall progression this season and since his return hasn’t escaped head coach Bob Boughner’s notice. 

“Mario has progressed over the last couple of years – he’s now a veteran D, and it seems like yesterday he broke into the league. His game is always going to be a two-way defense that’s hard to play against. He can be a shutdown penalty killer, and he’s got a little bit of offense in him as well.”

However, Boughner has observed that Ferraro isn’t all the way back from his injury.

“I think he’s had a little bit of trouble coming back from his injury, [and he’s] still trying to find his form. It’s not the Mario we saw pre-surgery,” Boughner said. “And, you know, he’s had a major injury, but he’s come back ahead of schedule and he’s still looking to get his timing down…we even worked on that a little bit out there today.”

There’s no indication that Ferraro is dealing with anything more than rust i.e. he’s somehow aggravating his injury by playing. But it’ll be good to see Ferraro’s pre-surgery form back, be it this season or next year.

San Jose Sharks (29-33-11)

Sharks coach Bob Boughner said Erik Karlsson, Alex Barbabanov and Radim Simek are out tonight with injuries. Karlsson and Simek are both flying home for further evaluation. Barabanov is still here.

Jasper Weatherby will play after being called up.

— Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) April 16, 2022

Projected lines for the #SJSharks as they visit #TexasHockey. Lord Jasper makes his triumphant return. Barabanov, Simek and Karlsson are out. pic.twitter.com/OENbvkF2NC

— The Content Boyz (@LockedOnSharks) April 16, 2022

Dallas Stars (42-27-5)

No #TexasHockey morning skate today due to the Mavs-Jazz playoff game at Noon at the AAC. Bowness confirmed Oettinger will start tonight vs. San Jose. Here’s how the lineup could look: https://t.co/Nr7tig5v3t

— Owen Newkirk (@OwenNewkirk) April 16, 2022

Where to watch

Puck drop between the Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks is at 5:00 PM PT/8:00 PM ET at the American Airlines Center. Watch it live on ESPN+, Bally Sports SouthWest, and NBC Sports California. Listen to it on the Sharks Audio Network.