Programming note: Sharks-Flames coverage starts Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet California with Sharks Pregame Live
SAN JOSE -- Sharks goalie Alex Stalock should return to the net on Sunday in Edmonton, according to head coach Todd McLellan.
“Likely the Edmonton game, but we’ve still got to clarify everything,” McLellan said after Friday’s practice.
“It’s probably been a week of full practice now,” Stalock said. “Trying to get back into game shape obviously. Practice is where you need to do it. … Hopefully I’ll feel comfortable when I get in there.”
Edmonton has once again assumed its place at the bottom of the NHL with a 6-15-5 record, including 11 straight losses. Their 17 points is six fewer points than the 29th ranked team, the Arizona Coyotes. The Sharks face Calgary on Saturday, so expect Antti Niemi to make his seventh straight start against the Flames, as San Jose goes for its fourth straight win.
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Stalock had minor surgery three weeks ago, shortly after a game on Nov. 8 in Dallas, his last appearance. He has dressed as Niemi’s backup in the last three games.
The 27-year-old began the season in a platoon role with Niemi, before the latter started earning the majority of the playing time. In five games, Stalock is 2-2-1 with a 2.38 goals-against average and .925 save percentage.
Asked to evaluate his season so far, Stalock said: “Ups and downs. Some good games, some bad games, I guess.”
Another pair of Sharks that could return at some point over the weekend are defenseman Mirco Mueller and forward Barclay Goodrow. Both players are healthy, and both have sat for three straight.
As is often the case, McLellan has been reluctant to tinker with a winning lineup, as the Sharks have won three straight in regulation for the first time all season following Thursday’s 7-4 triumph over Boston.
“It’s important that they stay in the mix and they stay on top of their game. The practice time has been good for them,” McLellan said.
“When you win you like to keep the same group together for awhile. They haven’t played and it’s been no fault of their own, just the group has had some success. We do know they’re important and they have to keep their games polished up.”
