SAN JOSE Winger Tyler Toffoli missed Wednesday's practice with a lower-body injury, leaving his availability for the San Jose Sharks' next regular-season game somewhat in question. Toffoli was injured in the Sharks' game against the Colorado Avalanche on Feb. 4, with coach Ryan Warsofsky saying Toffoli absorbed a hit, possibly in the second period. Toffoli finished the game and was listed as having three shots on net and two giveaways in 14:59 of ice time as the Sharks lost 4-2 at Ball Arena.
It was pretty hard a year for me and for the team, of course. But I think just this year, it's been such a different experience, and I've really enjoyed it so far. The way we are with each other, it's so positive and so much joy in our room. I think it shows on the ice, and we've been able to have some success, but now it's time to keep it going and make that push.
Throughout his tenure as captain, he seems more frustrated than excited and his personality has suffered. When was the last time we saw Matthews smile? If you do a google search of "Auston Matthews Smiling," the last time you'll see him smile was during the press conference where he was named captain, then after that it's been nothing but serious.
"This is my favorite event I'm involved in. I mean, I don't love being a ref, but it's a very special event for everyone," he said. "I think sometimes we get lost in what we do in our day-to-day. We have to give back as role models and mentors. Its important for the San Jose Sharks and the community of San Jose to give back."
Sharks defenseman Vincent Desharnais upended Panthers forward Mackie Samoskevich along the boards in the San Jose end. Evan Rodrigues then came in and leveled Desharnais with a hit from behind. That caused a melee to the side of the Sharks' net, with Nedeljkovic jumping to get a piece of Rodrigues. A few seconds later, Bobrovsky skated the length of the ice to get at Nedeljkovic.
The Sharks will see how both stack up against the defending Stanley Cup Champions today. Last time these two teams met, it ended favorably for the Sharks. San Jose won 3-1 at home with Yaroslav Askarov making 38 saves in the win. The Panthers are 25-19-3 this season, sitting seventh in the Atlantic Division and fifth in the Eastern Conference wild card race. Florida is 5-4-1 in its last 10 games. It beat the Washington Capitals 5-2 on Saturday.