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San Jose Sharks Look to Bounce Back Against Chicago Blackhawks, William Eklund Shines in Previous Games

The San Jose Sharks are gearing up for a highly anticipated matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks at SAP Center. After a tough loss in their previous game, the Sharks are determined to redeem themselves and secure a victory on home ice.


Jan 16, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; San Jose Sharks right wing Mitchell Russell (64) and Chicago Blackhawks right wing MacKenzie Entwistle (58) chase the puck during the second period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

One player who has been a standout performer for the Sharks is forward William Eklund. In the past three games, Eklund has showcased his skills and made a significant impact on the ice. He has recorded 1 goal, 0 assists, and 1 point, with a shooting percentage of 100%. Eklund's contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he has displayed great accuracy and efficiency in his shots. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial for the Sharks' success in this upcoming game.


Another player to watch out for is defenseman Mario Ferraro. Despite not registering any points in the previous games, Ferraro has been a defensive force for the Sharks. He has demonstrated his physicality with 2 hits per game and has been reliable in his defensive responsibilities. Ferraro's presence on the blue line will be vital in shutting down the Blackhawks' offensive threats.


Jan 16, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Philipp Kurashev (23) and San Jose Sharks right wing Mitchell Russell (64) chase the puck during the second period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

In goal, Mackenzie Blackwood has been solid between the pipes for the Sharks. With a save percentage of 81% and making an impressive 17 saves per game, Blackwood has shown his ability to keep his team in contention. His performance will be crucial in denying scoring opportunities for the Blackhawks.


Looking at the overall performance of the San Jose Sharks over their past three games, they have faced some challenges but have also shown resilience. The team's average shooting percentage stands at 9%, while their penalty kill percentage is at an impressive 100%. These statistics indicate that despite facing adversity, they have managed to stay disciplined and capitalize on their scoring chances.


Jan 16, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Cole Guttman (70) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

On the other side, the Chicago Blackhawks have their own standout players to watch out for. Forward Taylor Raddysh has been a consistent offensive threat, with 2 shots per game and a shooting percentage of 0%. Defenseman Nikita Zaitsev has also been impressive, contributing to the team's defensive efforts with 3 hits per game.


As the Sharks prepare for this crucial matchup, they will need to focus on their offensive execution and capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Blackhawks will be looking to challenge the Sharks' defense and test their goaltender. It will be a battle of skill and strategy as both teams vie for victory.


Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+, NBCS-CA, and NBCS-CHI+ on March 24th at 2:30 AM UTC. Don't miss out on what promises to be an intense clash between two talented teams.

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