The Sharks want to have another offseason like it, and perhaps that first-round pick they acquired from the Stars will play a role. Whatever happens, the Sharks — and certainly their fans — do not want to be in the same position they are this year.

The Stars are playing the second night of a back-to-back following an emotional shootout loss to the Los Angeles Kings.

Jason Robertson, Mason Marchment, Mavrik Borque, Wyatt Johnston, Thomas Harley and Jamie Benn also scored to help the Stars rebound from a 5-4 shootout loss in Los Angeles the night before. Casey DeSmith made 23 saves.

Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini has seven points (4-3—7) in his last seven games. Entering play Friday, Celebrini leads NHL rookies in goals (17) while ranking second in assists (22) and points (39). Celebrini is San Jose's leading scorer at home with 22 points (14-8—22) while playing in 23 of the teams 28 home games this season.

The San Jose Sharks have prime opportunities to grow their rookie’s skill and depth as well as better the team in the end. Even though the team will miss out on playoffs for the sixth year in a row, they can use this time to focus more on skill development.

Few NHL teams need some time away from the rink more than the San Jose Sharks. In their last game before the league pauses its schedule to hold the 4 Nations Face-Off, the Sharks gave up three goals in a lopsided first period.