Girard was a full participant in the morning skate on Sunday but will be out for Game 1 vs. Winnipeg as he takes one more game to recover from his concussion. The 25-year-old last appeared on April 13th and had three goals, 18 points, 73 SOG and 10 PIms in 59 games played in 2023-24.
Francouz did not participate in the 2023-24 season due to a groin injury and has announced his retirement from the NHL. Francouz battled injuries last season as well, recording a 2.61 GAA and .915 SV% while playing in only 16 games (8-7-1). The 33-year-old Francouz ends his career with a 2.49 GAA, .919 SV%, and four shutouts in 73 games (44-21-6).
MacDonald missed the Sharks' previous game due to an undisclosed injury and will miss the remainder of the regular season after not travelling with the team on their road trip on Monday. The 31-year-old ends his 2023-24 with a career-high seven goals and 34 games played, alongside his two assists, 49 SOG and 23 PIMs.
Brindley was the 34th overall pick of the Blue Jackets in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The 19-year-old had an impressive 2023-24 campaign with the University of Michigan, scoring 53 points (25G / 28A) in 40 games.
Blackwood concludes his first season with the Sharks, showcasing a 3.45 GAA and .899 SV% through 44 games (10-25-4). Georgi Romanov has been recalled from the San Jose Barracuda and will likely serve as the backup to Devin Cooley.
Brindley was the 34th overall pick of the Blue Jackets in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The 19-year-old had an impressive 2023-24 campaign with the University of Michigan, scoring 53 points (25G / 28A) in 40 games.
MacDonald will be a healthy scratch after playing the last two games for the Sharks. The 31-year-old MacDonald has eight points (6G / 2A) in 32 games this season.
The Sharks have lost three of their last four (1-3-0) and will turn to Blackwood for the second straight game on Tuesday night against the Calgary Flames. Blackwood has lost three straight, with his worst performance coming in his most recent outing where he allowed four goals on 27 shots (.852 SV%) in a 5-2 loss to the Arizona Coyotes. The Sharks enter action as +191 home underdogs.
The Sharks have lost three of their last four (1-3-0) and will turn to Blackwood for the second straight game on Tuesday night against the Calgary Flames. Blackwood has lost three straight, with his worst performance coming in his most recent outing where he allowed four goals on 27 shots (.852 SV%) in a 5-2 loss to the Arizona Coyotes. The Sharks enter action as +191 home underdogs.
