CALGARY \u2014 Vincent Desharnais has earned his spot with the San Jose Sharks.<\/p>\n
One of nine defensemen currently on the Sharks\u2019 roster, the veteran blueliner has suited up for the last six games. It\u2019s no coincidence that the penalty kill has improved since then, killing 20-of-21 power plays in that period of time, going from the 30th-ranked PK in the NHL (63.9 percent), to 24th in the league (75.4).<\/p>\n
Desharnais is in the line-up again tonight, against the Calgary Flames, in favor of Shakir Mukhamadullin, Nick Leddy, and Vincent Iorio, who\u2019s with the San Jose Barracuda on a conditioning assignment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe talked about earning roles on this team in training camp. And he\u2019s earned a role,\u201d San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky said. \u201cHe\u2019s been really good in our penalty kill. His puck play has much improved from last year. He\u2019s defending with a purpose, engagement. He\u2019s done a really good job. Deserves to be in there.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Sharks acquired the 29-year-old defenseman from the Pittsburgh Penguins last Trade Deadline, for a fifth-round pick, and he\u2019s also provided critical mentorship for 19-year-old Sam Dickinson. Desharnais and Dickinson are frequently seen chatting in the San Jose locker room after practice.<\/p>\n
As for sitting 23-year-old Mukhamadullin, Warsofsky didn\u2019t have much to say about that today, preferring to keep that conversation private, \u201cWe have a lot of defense.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, veteran Nick Leddy, activated before the road trip, is waiting in the wings.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been winning here, as of late,\u201d Warsofsky said. \u201cYou don\u2019t love changing the line-up a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
San Jose Sharks (8-6-3)<\/p>\n
Timothy Liljegren is back in the line-up, while newly-recalled Jakub Skarek will back up Yaroslav Askarov.<\/p>\n
Toffoli-Celebrini-Smith
Kurashev-Wennberg-Eklund
Graf-Dellandrea-Skinner
Goodrow-Gaudette-Reaves<\/p>\n
Ferraro-Klingberg
Orlov-Liljegren
Dickinson-Desharnais<\/p>\n
Askarov<\/p>\n
Skarek is coming in relief for Alex Nedeljkovic, who has left the team to deal with a personal matter. How long with Nedeljkovic be gone?<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not sure yet,\u201d Warsofsky said. \u201cWe\u2019ll know by hopefully tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
The power play units looked the same as last game:<\/p>\n
PP1: Klingberg-Celebrini-Smith-Eklund-Toffoli
PP2: Orlov-Kurashev-Wennberg-Skinner-Gaudette<\/p>\n
Calgary Flames (4-12-2)<\/p>\n
Gilroy native Dustin Wolf will get the start for the Flames.<\/p>\n