Sharks’ Nikolay Goldobin likely to play vs. Coyotes

SAN JOSE — It’s looking like Nikolay Goldobin will make his NHL season debut Saturday when the Sharks play the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena.

Goldobin, the 27th overall selection in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, practiced on the Sharks’ third line Friday with Joel Ward and Tomas Hertl as Timo Meier remained with the Barracuda. The Sharks practiced with just 20 players, including 12 forwards.

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After plea from HDA and Evander Kane, NHL postpones Thursday and Friday games Coach Pete DeBoer said that while the team expects to call up a couple more players Saturday, how the Sharks practiced Friday will likely be how they line up against the Coyotes.

Goldobin, 21, hasn’t played in an NHL game since Nov. 22, 2015 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and he certainly has had to wait his turn to get another chance.

Just this season, other wingers like Kevin Labanc, Marcus Sorensen and Meier were called up before Goldobin, who has had a solid season overall with the Barracuda.

“I think it was just a matter of him continuing to play well and wait for his chance,” DeBoer said. “The second part is when you get up here, make the most of it.”

Goldobin’s goals if he plays against the Coyotes?

“Not make a mistake, no turnovers and score a goal,” Goldobin said.

Goldobin was officially called up Wednesday prior to the Sharks’ game against the Florida Panthers. He did not dress as Meier skated on the third line. Meier was reassigned to the AHL on Thursday and is expected to play for the Barracuda on Friday in Stockton.

“I’m an emotional guy but I always control it,” Goldobin said. “I know I can’t do something bad with everyone watching. Trying to please the coach. Try to play simple but I’m not going to forget about my strengths.”

Goldobin, while exceptionally skilled, has acknowledged many times in the past that he needs to become a more complete player and develop more of a 200-foot game. There is that balance for him, then, of trying to create scoring chances while also being responsible in his own zone.

DeBoer just wants Goldobin to play with a certain amount of hockey sense.

“I think it’s cautious or aggressive. It’s play your game within our team system,” DeBoer said. “It’s as simple as that. If there’s a play there to be made, have the confidence to make the play. But if there’s not a play to be made, you have to be smart enough to recognize that.

“That’s all we’re asking for. The guys have to figure that out.”

The Sharks’ other lines Friday featured Labanc on the top line with Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture centering a line with Patrick Marleau and Mikkel Boedker and Chris Tierney centering a fourth line with Micheal Haley and Melker Karlsson.

Aaron Dell will start against the Coyotes on Saturday, DeBoer said.

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