GOLDOBIN EXCELLING IN YEAR TWO
Nov 2, 2016
San Jose, CA – San Jose Sharks 2014 first round pick, Nikolay Goldobin, may have been disappointed with his reassignment to the Barracuda at the end of Sharks training camp in early September, but the Russian forward's hot start with the Barracuda through four games shows it hasn’t affected his play on the ice.
After tying for the Barracuda team lead in goals with 21 in 2015-16, Goldobin has seven points (1-6-7) through the first four games, which it tied for first on the team with Kevin Labanc.
“It’s my second full year, and I like where we are at,” said Goldobin. “I’m a lot more confident in year two.”
Goldobin has found instant chemistry with first-year pros Rourke Chartier and Labanc. In the last three games, the group has combined for 17 points (6-11-17) and a plus-13 rating.
Although he is in the AHL, Goldobin feels he is ready for the NHL, but he embracing his opportunity with the Barracuda for now.
“I think I can play in the NHL, but I’m just excited to work hard and be a leader here (with the Barracuda).”
Goldobin’s offensive abilities have never been in question, but his minus-9 rating was concerning last year. Through four games, Goldobin is plus-three and continuing to progress in his own end.
“Someone said I’m bad in my own zone, but I want to prove them wrong. I want to be good in all three zones, and be hard on the forecheck.”
The former Sarnia Sting (OHL) product’s precise passing has been on full display in the early going; he has quarterbacked the top power-play unit and assisted on two of San Jose’s three power play goals this year.
Goldobin will look to extend his point streak to four games this Saturday against San Antonio whom he had five points (1-4-5) against in six games last year.
The Barracuda welcome in the San Antonio Rampage for a pair of games this Saturday and Sunday at SAP Center. On Saturday, San Jose will wear specialty breast cancer awareness Pink in the Rink jerseys that will be auctioned off during and after the game with all proceeds generated from the game-worn jersey auction being donated to the Canary Foundation, which focuses on early cancer detection. Tickets are still available for Saturday and Sunday and can be purchased at SJBarracuda.com/tickets or by calling 408.999.5757.