Programming note: Ducks-Sharks coverage starts Saturday at 7 p.m. with Sharks Pregame Live on Comcast SportsNet California
SAN JOSE – Alex Stalock is likely to return as Antti Niemi’s backup on Saturday against the Ducks, after undergoing a surgical procedure on his left knee two weeks ago.
Stalock has not played since Nov. 8, a game in which he was hit late by the Stars’ Antoine Roussel but stayed in for the final minute to finish off a 5-3 win.
“Al is good to back up tomorrow, at least that’s what I’ve been told,” Todd McLellan said, adding that he had to check with the team’s medical staff one more time after Friday’s practice.
Mike Brown, who has been out since blocking a shot on Oct. 11 that broke the middle finger in his left hand, could also “potentially” return, according to McLellan.
[RELATED: Sharks notes: McLellan on Burish; Stalock and Brown improving]
The Sharks would need to clear a spot for Brown, as they are currently carrying the maximum 23 active players, including eight defensemen.
As for Troy Grosenick, McLellan indicated that the rookie goalie would have to remain in San Jose for a little while longer to recover from his upper body injury.
[KURZ: Rewind: Grosenick bails out lifeless Sharks in Carolina]
The Sharks have not specified the nature of Grosenick’s injury, but the 25-year-old took a shot off of his helmet on Tuesday in practice. Grosenick woke up not feeling well on Wednesday morning, forcing the Sharks to scramble to sign emergency backup Ryan Lowe for the game against the Flames.
McLellan talked about having Lowe, who skated with several Sharks players in the days leading up to training camp, around for the 2-0 loss to the Flames.
“It’s an interesting experience for us, as well,” McLellan said. “You’ve got somebody that you may have run into around the rink, because he does come out and play goal every now and then, but you wouldn’t recognize him in the parking lot. All of a sudden he’s in your locker room, he’s in your meetings, and he’s sitting on the bench. I can’t imagine what a thrill that would be for him.”
[RELATED: Lowe relishes NHL experience as Sharks backup]
And as for Lowe being a Kings fan?
“We needed an emergency replacement, and somebody that could come in and play,” McLellan said. “The last thing we were worried about – I had heard he had a jersey on at some point – I don’t care about that. We needed a backup goalie and that’s where we were at.”
