Sharks Out of Playoffs for Sixth Year, But Future Shines Bright

San Jose Sharks © instagram/ sanjosesharks

The San Jose Sharks will miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the sixth straight season in 2024-25, a streak that began after their 2019 Western Conference Final run. With an 18-41-9 record, their fate was sealed after the St. Louis Blues’ 7-2 rout of the Anaheim Ducks on March 16. Despite the skid, a young core and strategic moves signal hope for this rebuilding franchise.

What Sank the Season

The Sharks stumbled early and never recovered. Rookie standout Macklin Celebrini, the 2024 No. 1 draft pick, sparked excitement with a goal and assist in the opener—a 5-4 OT loss to the Blues—before a hip injury sidelined him for 12 games. San Jose went 0-7-2 without him, digging a hole too deep to escape despite a 10-6-3 midseason rally. Offense was a glaring issue: averaging just 2.6 goals per game, they rank third-lowest in the NHL. Celebrini (50 points) and William Eklund (49 points) lead, but the bottom lines and defense offered little support. Goaltending was equally shaky, cycling through five netminders—Mackenzie Blackwood, Alexandar Georgiev, and Vitek Vanecek were traded midseason, leaving 22-year-old Yaroslav Askarov (4-6-2, 3.10 GAA) as the future hope.

Science of Struggle

Data backs the Sharks’ woes. A 2020 Journal of Sports Sciences study highlights secondary scoring as vital for team success—something San Jose lacks, with only Tyler Toffoli (25 goals) joining Celebrini in double digits. Goaltending instability compounds this: the team’s .875-.911 save percentages fall below the league average (.905), per NHL stats, leaking goals at critical moments.

Bright Spots Ahead

Celebrini, 18, is a Calder Trophy contender with 21 goals and 29 assists, thriving post-injury. His NCAA pedigree (Hobey Baker winner at Boston University) suggests a rising star, supported by a 2018 Frontiers in Neuroscience study showing visualization—key for young athletes—enhances performance. Will Smith, 20, adds 35 points in his rookie year, while Eklund, 22, rounds out a promising trio driving the rebuild. Askarov’s agility and AHL pedigree (.911 save percentage) hint at a steadying presence in net. Plus, nine 2025 draft picks—including two first-rounders—offer ammo to bolster the roster.

The Outlook

The Sharks’ playoff drought stings, but this season’s struggles are a rebuilding rite. With Celebrini’s flair, Smith’s growth, and Askarov’s potential, San Jose has a foundation. Add smart drafting, and the tide could turn by 2026. For now, patience is the play—science and youth say better days are coming.

By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer