The San Jose Sharks host the Vancouver Canucks Monday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. Thanks to a call-up, activation and a trade reported hours before the game by Kevin Kurz of CSN California, the roster will not be the same one that has won four games in a row to end March.
Starting with the trade, Ryane Clowe remains a part of the team despite being the focal point of many NHL trade rumors: "I'm still here. I'm still all in until I'm gone." But center Michal Handzus was sent to the Chicago Blackhawks for a fourth-round pick that had originally belonged to the Sharks.
Chicago gets a proven penalty killer to add to their forward depth. Most mid-round picks make no impact at the NHL level, so it is a solid move for them.
Trading Handzus and Douglas Murray for draft picks may seem an indication general manager Doug Wilson is giving up on the 2013 Stanley Cup. Neither had a future in San Jose as pending free agents, but they were also having arguably a negative impact—at least when active since both were character guys—on a team needing more mobility.
The biggest indication that Wilson is hesitant to become a true seller at the NHL deadline (Wednesday at noon local time) is that Clowe is still on the roster. ESPN has reported that the Sharks want a first-round pick and another asset, but if they continue to push their way up the standings, they would almost certainly need a forward capable of being able to step in immediately on the third or fourth line to not seriously affect their chances.
Before Saturday's game, Matt Tennyson was called up but could not make it to San Jose on time for the game. This forced Brent Burns to move back to the blue line from his forward position. While he played well there, it appears he will move up again and Tennyson will make his NHL debut, reportedly being paired with Brad Stuart.
Finally, Thomas Greiss was activated from injured reserve and will back up Antti Niemi Monday. The Sharks sent Alex Stalock back to Worcester of the AHL to make room for him.
Tennyson and Burns were not active when the Sharks beat the Canucks March 5 in Canada or in the home win January 27. Before this season's success, they had lost three of four in each of the previous two seasons plus four of five in the 2011 Western Conference finals.
The Sharks rate higher on defense in goals against, blocked shots and penalty kill even though they give up one more shot per game. They also rank narrowly behind the Canucks offensively despite averaging more shots and having a better power play. They are also better in possession statistics (draws won plus takeaways minus both draws lost and giveaways) and take fewer penalties.
Yet despite these deficits and a 0-1-1 record against San Jose, Vancouver starts the day in fourth in the Western Conference standings, 1.5 games ahead of their hosts. Either way this game ends, there is a good chance the teams maintain those positions.
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