The Daily: It’s Not Been All Fun for Walman: Crosby Will Play

San Jose Sharks fans certainly believe their team snookered the Detroit Red Wings when it comes to acquiring Jake Walman last summer.

Walman is the team’s top defenseman, averaging almost 23 minutes per game. With 29 points in 44 games, he’s producing the best season of his career. But it’s not been a perfect season.  A week ago, San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng wrote about Walman getting benched late in the gamIt wasn’t a big deal, according to the Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky.

As happy as Walman has to be being the team’s No. 1 defenseman, it can’t be easy playing for the Sharks. They have only won 15 of 57 games this season.  The Sharks own the NHL’s worst record.

Meanwhile, his buddies in Detroit are fighting for a playoff spot.

Walman was churning out points at a strong rate earlier in the season, but his scoring production has fallen off.

Walman has one goals over the past 17 games. He does have seven points. His plus-minus is minus-7.

Warsofsky, on benching Jake Walman late last night: "We honestly could have benched 15 guys last night."

For his part, Walman knows he didn't play well, and welcomed being held accountable

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) January 31, 2025

,undoubtedly believe they have

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Henrik Zetterberg confesses he feels for the Russian players.

The Red Wings went into the two-week break still holding onto an Eastern Conference wildcard team.

Will Vladimir Tarasenko‘s 300th NHL goal prompt a resurgence in his level of play? His play this season hasn’t gone well for the Russian forward.

Red Wings Extra

Detroit has 27 games remaining, 12 at home and 15 on the road. The Red Wings’ next game is Saturday, Feb. 22 against the Minnesota Wild (12:30 p.m., ABC). A period in March may decide Detroit’s fate: From March 7 to March 25, the Red Wings will play two home games and seven road games.

Hockey Now Network

Florida: Coach Paul Maurice believes his team will benefit from having a multitude of players participating in the Four Nations Face-off. Florida Panthers. 

New York:  The hockey world is waiting for Brock Nelson to decide what he wants his future to be. Will Nelson re-sign with the Islanders.

Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby’s injury is not going to keep him out of the international tournament that will start this week.