Calgary Flames forward Yegor Sharangovich is under fire after a lackluster performance in Saturday's 6-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Sportsnet analyst Kevin Bieksa didn't hold back during the Hockey Night in Canada post-game show, criticizing Sharangovich's lack of effort and intensity.
Bieksa highlighted a specific play in the third period where Sharangovich appeared to avoid a hit on Golden Knights center William Karlsson. Instead of delivering a check, Sharangovich seemingly braked and gave Karlsson a light shove before heading to the bench for a line change. Bieksa stated he "would absolutely lose my mind on the bench if I saw that".
"The concern is if you're losing games and guys are not giving it their all," Bieksa said. "That's what I would be worried about — the culture of the team. It's one thing to lose, but it's the way you lose". He went on to say Sharangovich was "disgracing the NHL" with his effort. "Play the guys that care," Bieksa urged. "If you're going to get an effort like that from a guy, get rid of him, you know what I mean? You're disgracing the NHL with an effort like that. Down 6-1, be a little mad".
Bieksa questioned Sharangovich's desire to win, saying, "I hate to lose more than I like to win, and that guy doesn't hate to lose. I wouldn't want a guy like that".
Sharangovich, 27, is considered a key part of the Flames' future. He signed a five-year, $28.75 million contract. However, his performance this season has been underwhelming, with zero goals, one assist, and a minus-3 rating in six games. He only has two credited hits. While he did hit the post in the game against Vegas, he was also at fault defensively on the Golden Knights' third goal.
The Flames have struggled as a team, starting the season with a 1-5-0 record. Their offense has been particularly anemic, scoring just 10 goals in six games, which is the worst in the NHL. Dustin Wolf, the team's goalie, has also struggled, being pulled in a recent game after allowing five goals on 19 shots. Several players, including Nazem Kadri, Connor Zary, Joel Farabee, and Morgan Frost, are also struggling to contribute.
Despite the criticism, Sharangovich has shown scoring ability in the past, with a 31-goal season in 2023-24. The team hopes he can rediscover that form and live up to his contract.
The Flames acquired Sharangovich in a trade with the New Jersey Devils in 2023. He made his NHL debut in 2021 and played three seasons with the Devils.
Flames coach Ryan Huska has emphasized the need for Sharangovich to contribute. "He's a really good player, and we need him to contribute for us," Huska said. "So getting him to a spot where he knows and believes he can do that every time he steps on the ice is really important for us. Because when he's feeling good about himself, now we're a much more dangerous team".
It remains to be seen how Sharangovich will respond to the criticism and whether he can turn his performance around. The Flames need him to be a key contributor if they hope to improve their fortunes this season.
