Sharks Scratching Dickinson Against Rangers Isn’t Performance Related

NEW YORK – San Jose Sharks defenseman Sam Dickinson will be a healthy scratch against the New York Rangers.

Dickinson made his debut against the Anaheim Ducks in the Sharks’ second game of the season. The 19-year-old hasn’t registered a point while averaging 14:18 time on ice per game.

Despite the upward trend in play, Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky is sitting the defenseman on Thursday. Warsofsky clarified that this scratching wasn’t related to performance in any way.

“Just with the back-to-back. I think he’s playing some good hockey. Did some good things [and] some things he needs to continue to work on,” Warsofsky said at morning skate. “The goal against, he really bounced back. Showed some mental toughness, but with the back-to-back, [we] just got to manage him a little bit.”

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The goal against Warsofsky mentions was the New York Islanders’ third goal of the game. That play had the potential to hurt the San Jose Sharks’ young prospect’s confidence, but it didn’t.

Dickinson followed up that mishap with a terrific keep-in at the offensive blue line that led to Adam Gaudette’s goal. Michael Misa registered his first NHL point on the same play.

“At the end of the day, I’m not worried about getting sat or anything like that. I just want to go out there and make plays,” Dickinson said after the San Jose Sharks practiced at Chelsea Piers. “A tough read, not a great play by me on that one goal. [I wasn’t] pushing to get a goal back, or anything like that. Just trying to come back, play hard, and play the right way. Obviously, it was nice to have a goal scored next shift, and be a part of it.”

Warsofsky didn’t confirm if Dickinson will return to the lineup against the New Jersey Devils on Friday. Timothy Liljegren was activated off injured reserve and will be in the lineup against the Rangers.

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