Yahoo HomeSharks' David Quinn explains decision to start Eetu Makiniemi vs. Canucks
Quinn explains why rookie Makiniemi gets start vs. Canucks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Editor's Note: Sheng Peng will be a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Eetu Makiniemi will make his first NHL start tonight.
San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn explained tapping the 23-year-old rookie, who made his NHL debut in relief on Wednesday night against the Vancouver Canucks, over struggling Kaapo Kahkonen: “We have a goalie that we like a lot [in Eetu]. And we like Kaapo a lot. But we lost the other night 6-5 and we want to give the kid a chance.”
Quinn maintained that tonight isn’t about giving Kahkonen, who has a 3-6-2 record with an .877 Save %, a physical or mental reset, it’s more about Makiniemi.
“I like his competitiveness, his quickness, his calmness. There was a lot to like about him,” Quinn said. “And obviously I heard a lot about him when we traded for him.”
