#forechecking

#forechecking

CHICAGO The Sharks have been one of the NHL's most surprising and talked-about teams so far this season. They've had some rough spells, for sure, but it's largely been one feel-good moment after another as they've become playoff contenders after two straight years of finishing in the league's basement. Now the Sharks are dealing with the other side of that coin: enhanced expectations and added pressure.

He is a big guy. He has to be a physical and hard player to play against. He is going to make and score his goals around the net, right? A little more puck touches in the offensive zone from the forecheck, and then getting to the net front and winning those battles there and tipping pucks. He has good hand-eye. He has the capability of putting the puck in the net.

Jarnkrok specified that the forecheck is the key to getting their game going in the right direction, as it starts with getting the puck cleanly out of their zone and spending more time in the opponent's end of the rink. The veteran forward will be on the top line alongside William Nylander and John Tavares, where Jarnkrok stated his goal is to work hard to get the puck to his star linemates.

If Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat are the engines of the New York Islanders' offense, Emil Heineman might be the spark that keeps them running at full throttle. Since joining their line, the 22-year-old Swedish winger has added exactly what head coach Patrick Roy felt the duo needed: speed, grit, and an instinct for doing the dirty work that lets Barzal and Horvat shine.

Bobby McMann isn't just fighting for a spot in the Toronto Maple Leafs' top six -- he's looking to define his future in the NHL. Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube recently stated his firm and clear expectations for the 29-year-old left winger. He wants McMann "going to the net, being hard and physical." Berube also said McMann "can take another step in his game."