Preview/Lines #54: Quinn Has Super Bowl Challenge for Video Coach Gialdini

Nick Gialdini has been an unsung hero for the San Jose Sharks.

The first-year video coach, previously San Jose Barracuda video coach from 2016 to 2022, has helped head coach David Quinn win seven of eight coach’s challenges this season. Those seven successful challenges are tied for second-best in the NHL.

“He’s done a great job. I mean, he’s an awesome person. He’s a great video guy, works hard. Just fortunate to have him,” Quinn said yesterday after practice. “I didn’t know him before I got the job, but I love working with him and we’re lucky to have him.”

Gialdini is a true local success story.

The San Jose native and Santa Clara High School graduate played and coached hockey in the Jr. Sharks program, also playing club hockey at San Jose State. He graduated SJSU in 2016.

Quinn, however, is hoping for something extra special from Gialdini today, Super Bowl Sunday. The big game will start at 6:30 PM ET, about two hours after the San Jose Sharks’ afternoon tilt against the Washington Capitals.

“I don’t think we’ll get it on the plane. That’ll be Nick’s job,” Quinn joked. “I’ll re-evaluate Nick to see what his ability is to get the Super Bowl on the internet on the plane. If he can pull that off, he’ll go to a whole new level.”

San Jose Sharks (16-26-11)

Kaapo Kahkonen should draw the start once again, with James Reimer under the weather:

James Reimer’s agent Ray Petkau tells me that Reimer is just under the weather, nothing going on

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) February 11, 2023

Quinn says it’s the same line-up as last game:

#SJSharks lines tonight, same as last game: pic.twitter.com/A7rtFxg4es

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) February 10, 2023

Quinn, on what Labanc has to do to get back into line-up: "Same answers that I've given you. I don't mean to be flippant here, but he's just got to be consistently competitive, and be a little bit more responsible and productive."

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) February 12, 2023

Washington Capitals (28-20-6)

Expect Charlie Lindgren to start, after the Capitals’ 2-1 victory over the Boston Bruins yesterday.

Get all your Washington Capitals lines at Washington Hockey Now!

Where to Watch

The San Jose Sharks will take on the Washington Capitals at 10:30 AM PST at Capital One Arena. Watch it live on NBC Sports California. Listen to it on the Sharks Audio Network.