Sharks Welcome Back Olympians Amid Storm Delays
In San Jose, the Sharks are gradually reuniting after the Olympics, with forwards Alex Wennberg and Philipp Kurashev back in practice. Center Macklin Celebrini is expected to return soon after competing for Team Canada in the gold medal game in Milan. However, winger Pavol Regenda is currently delayed in New York City due to a massive snowstorm causing flight disruptions.
Regenda's Slovakian team faced a tough loss against Finland in the bronze medal game, falling 6-1. Meanwhile, Celebrini and Team Canada narrowly missed gold, losing 2-1 in overtime to the United States.
While Regenda deals with travel delays, the Canadian team, along with the Americans, rerouted to Miami to dodge the storm, which dumped nearly 20 inches of snow in Central Park.
It's uncertain if Celebrini or Regenda will join practice before Thursday's home game against the Calgary Flames. Given Celebrini's significant role for Canada, logging extensive minutes on the top line, Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky isn't too concerned about his practice schedule.
Celebrini leads the Sharks with 81 points in 55 games. "I’ll talk to him and see how he’s feeling," Warsofsky noted.
"But if he doesn’t practice, it’s not the end of the world."
Wennberg and Kurashev’s Olympic runs ended in the quarterfinals, both experiencing the heartbreak of 3-on-3 overtime. Wennberg's Sweden lost 2-1 to the U.S., and Kurashev’s Switzerland fell 3-2 to Finland.
Reflecting on the experience, Wennberg said, “Disappointing result for the Swedes. We were expecting to fight a little longer than we did.
Obviously, we played a good team in the U.S., but overall, it was a great experience."
Overtime Drama on the Olympic Stage
The Olympics saw three of the four quarterfinals and the gold medal game decided in 3-on-3 overtime. This format, familiar to NHL fans during the regular season, is not used in the playoffs, where games continue 5-on-5 until a goal is scored.
Wennberg and Kurashev both expressed a preference for the NHL-style overtime but acknowledged the level playing field. "A 3-on-3, it’s like it’s a 50-50," Wennberg explained. "There are so many skilled players, so obviously, you trade chances a little bit more."
Kurashev added, “I think it would be cooler or better if it were 5-on-5, but we could have won the game the same way they did.”
Pride and Inspiration from Team USA
Coach Warsofsky, who has deep ties with the U.S. team, watched the gold medal game with pride. The victory marks the first Olympic gold for the U.S. men’s hockey team since the iconic 1980 Miracle on Ice.
“It’s just awesome,” Warsofsky said. “It’s great for hockey.
It’s great for our country. I’m extremely proud to be an American and watch those guys.”
He believes this win will inspire a new generation of hockey players. “There’ll be kids out there that want to grab a hockey stick and skates.”
Injury Updates and Line Changes
Ty Dellandrea, recovering from a lower-body injury since January, skated briefly before practice, but his return remains uncertain. Dellandrea has been a key player in faceoffs and penalty kills this season.
Meanwhile, Ryan Reaves has been activated off injured reserve and skated with Adam Gaudette and Barclay Goodrow on the fourth line. Filip Bystedt returned to the Barracuda, and with Celebrini's return still pending, Zack Ostapchuk took center on the first line alongside Will Smith and Kiefer Sherwood.