Final Auditions Near - San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks head into Friday night’s game with Anaheim looking to find some clarity in who will make the final roster spots. In the end, being in San Jose will provide a chance to ensure a player never leaves, but there is also the likelihood that anyone who goes to Worcester and performs well will be back up soon enough.

“It’s not 23 players for the year,” said Scott Nichol. “You may need 26 or 29 players. If you go down, you were one of the last cuts and you’re going down with a lot of confidence. If you dominate, you’ll be back up.”

Among the forwards, Sharks Head Coach Todd McLellan noted that the separation hasn’t really occurred.

“Where we are (with the third and fourth lines), I couldn’t tell you yet,” said McLellan.

Center Scott Nichol recalls what it’s like to be in the position of the NHL hopefuls and even still considers himself one.

“The first time I think I’ve make it, I’m in trouble,” said Nichol who remembers the nerves that may be going through some of the youngsters heads. “My first year in Calgary, they were supposed to make the cut for four days and I was sneaking round the corner to see if my gear was still there.”

MALHOTRA DEBUT
New Sharks center Manny Malhotra will make his preseason debut at HP Pavilion and he is ready to be on the good side of the crowd.

“It’s exciting coming in here not being the visitor,” said Malhotra. “The fans make it a tough road game. I’m glad they’ll be on my side.”

Malhotra noted that his preseason debut in Vancouver required some adjustments.

“From a style standpoint, I found myself thinking instead of making plays,” said Malhotra. “The more I play, the more the system will become second nature.”

McLellan feels Malhotra will fill a role the Sharks lacked all last year.

“He’s a big bodied center,” said McLellan. “There was a big hole when (Torrey) Mitchell wasn’t healthy. It will take a little time, but he is a big addition for us.”

As for Mitchell, he could play right now if needed, but the Sharks are focused on having him return without the tendonitis in his knee causing problems all year. When he does come back, there is a good chance he could find himself riding shotgun for Malhotra.