Get ready for a thrilling matchup that might just surprise you! The San Jose Sharks (8-6-3) are set to face the Calgary Flames (4-12-2) in a game that could shake up the standings—but here’s where it gets interesting: both teams are rolling out lineups with some unexpected twists. The puck drops at 9 p.m. ET, airing on SN1 and NBCSCA, and you won’t want to miss this.
For the Sharks, the projected lineup features a dynamic top line with Tyler Toffoli, Macklin Celebrini, and Will Smith—a trio that’s been turning heads lately. Below them, William Eklund, Alexander Wennberg, and Philipp Kurashev bring a mix of speed and skill, while Jeff Skinner, Ty Dellandrea, and Collin Graf add grit. The fourth line, anchored by Barclay Goodrow, Adam Gaudette, and the enforcer Ryan Reaves, promises to keep things physical. On defense, Mario Ferraro and John Klingberg lead the charge, supported by Dmitry Orlov, Timothy Liljegren, Sam Dickinson, and Vincent Desharnais. Between the pipes, Yaroslav Askarov gets the nod, backed up by Jakub Skarek—who, by the way, was controversially called up from the AHL on an emergency basis after Alex Nedeljkovic was granted non-roster status for personal reasons. Is this the right move, or could it backfire?
The Flames, meanwhile, are shaking things up too. Jonathan Huberdeau, Morgan Frost, and Matt Coronato form a top line with serious offensive potential, while Nazem Kadri centers Rory Kerins and Joel Farabee—a line that could be a game-changer. Kerins, making his season debut after an AHL recall, is one to watch. The third line features Samuel Honzek, Mikael Backlund, and Blake Coleman, bringing a blend of youth and experience. Ryan Lomberg, Connor Zary, and Adam Klapka round out the forward group. Defensively, Kevin Bahl and Rasmus Andersson anchor the blue line, with Yan Kuznetsov, MacKenzie Weegar, Jake Bean, and Brayden Pachal providing depth. Bean, returning after being scratched for five games, will look to make an impact. In goal, Dustin Wolf starts, with Devin Cooley as the backup. But here’s the kicker: Yegor Sharangovich, a talented forward, is a healthy scratch—a decision that’s sure to spark debate. Is this a strategic move or a missed opportunity?
And this is the part most people miss: Both teams are dealing with injuries that could shift the game’s momentum. The Sharks’ Michael Misa is out with a lower-body injury, while the Flames are without Martin Pospisil (undisclosed) and Zayne Parekh (upper body). How will these absences affect the outcome?
This game isn’t just about the stats—it’s about the stories behind the lineups, the strategic decisions, and the potential for upsets. What do you think? Is Skarek’s call-up a smart move, or should the Sharks have gone another route? And is scratching Sharangovich a mistake for the Flames? Let us know in the comments—this is one hockey conversation you won’t want to sit out!
