The Sharks' blue line is about to get a much-needed reinforcement.
Radim Simek, who has been out with an ACL/MCL injury since March 12, was recalled Monday, general manager Doug Wilson announced. Forward Lean Bergmann also was recalled.
Simek made a big impact for the Sharks last season after being recalled in December. The 27-year-old helped the Sharks go 29-9-3 when he was in the lineup while being an anchor for Brent Burns.
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Since Simek has been out, the Sharks have struggled on the blue line, going 17-28-2 in both regular season and the playoffs without Simek.
His return should give a big boost to the Sharks' blue line, especially as the team looks to claw its way out of the early-season hole they have dug. The Sharks are 4-10-1 with a -20 goal differential. They have struggled at even strength and Simek's return should help the Sharks limit their opponent's offensive chances.
Last season, the Sharks allowed a lower rate of shots, shot attempts and chances when the Czech defenseman was on the ice. This season, the Sharks have allowed 31.3 shots against this season and the second-most goals (56) in the NHL. While the Sharks' penalty kill is the best in the league, their defense has been leaky at full strength, a problem Simek can help correct.
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San Jose Sharks
The Sharks need to turn things around in a hurry, and they are hoping Simek's return will give them the boost they need.