SAN JOSE – William Eklund had the San Jose Sharks’ game-winning goal on Dec. 12, as he ripped a one-timer in the third period past goalie Laurent Brossoit in a 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets at SAP Center.
From an offensive standpoint, not much has gone right since, for the Sharks or Eklund.
The Sharks have managed just 16 goals on the 11-game losing streak they’ll carry into Tuesday’s game with the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena, and Eklund, 21, is among a large group of forwards who have struggled to produce.
Eklund has just three assists since that power-play goal on Dec. 12, and has just one shot in his last four games as he’s experiencing one of his biggest offensive dry spells over the last year-and-a-half since he came to North America full-time.
“I just think offensively there’s got to be more anticipation in his game,” Sharks coach David Quinn said of Eklund, drafted seventh overall in 2021. “His pace isn’t good enough right now, consistently offensively. I think that’s why he’s kind of struggled from a points standpoint.”
Quinn said he’s liked what he’s seen from Eklund, who has 17 points in 39 games, in terms of his two-way game and defensive responsibilities. That’s probably a good reason why Eklund has remained on the Sharks’ top line alongside Tomas Hertl.
Asked, though, if a talented young forward’s confidence can waver if the puck’s not going in the net, Quinn said, “The challenge at this level for people that have scored their whole lives is to take personal satisfaction and feel really good about other things that this game demands and that’s what he’s learning.”
“He’s had some good moments, for sure. Maybe not as consistent as he has been, but still, he has good moments.”
COUTURE ON JONES: Former Sharks goalie Martin Jones, now Toronto’s No. 1 netminder, was named the NHL’s second star of the week Monday. In leading the Leafs to wins over Los Angeles, Anaheim, and San Jose, Jones had a 0.66 goals-against average, a .976 save percentage, and one shutout.
Jones, who played six seasons for San Jose before he had his contract bought out by the team in 2021, is now 7-3-0 this season with a 2.08 goals-against average and .932 save percentage in 11 games for the Leafs.
Jones started 60 straight playoff games for San Jose over four years as the Sharks advanced to the Western Conference final twice and the Stanley Cup final in 2016.
“He’s playing well. I’m happy for him, he’s an unbelievable guy,” Sharks captain Logan Couture said. “Had a lot of good memories in this area and he’s playing well for that team. It’s what they need right now, is stability in the net, and Joner’s a very calming presence as Sharks fans know. And when he’s hot he’s as good as anyone in the league.
“So he’s feeling it right now for them, but if the boys play against him Tuesday, I hope we get a couple more by him.”
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PROMOTION: The Sharks added a bit more size to their lineup as they recalled forward Scott Sabourin from the Barracuda on Monday. Sabourin, listed at 6-foot-4 and 207 pounds, is in his 11th full professional season and has 13 points and 92 penalty minutes in 29 games with the Sharks AHL affiliate.
Sabourin. 31, was signed to a two-year, two-way contract by the Sharks on July 1. He’s played in 43 NHL games in his career with his last coming on April 28, 2022, with the Ottawa Senators. He’s a native of Orleans, Ontario, which is just east of Ottawa.
After Tuesday, the Sharks’ road trip continues with stops in Montreal, Ottawa, Buffalo and Chicago.
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