San Jose Sharks: A Look At The Second Week of NHL Action
Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
The San Jose Sharks had a successful first week of action and kicked off the 2013-14 NHL season with victories over the Vancouver Canucks and the Phoenix Coyotes. It’s tough to imagine how things could have gone much better for the boys in teal, and they’ll try to keep their positive momentum going as they head into the second week of action.
Tuesday, October 8: New York Rangers
The New York Rangers continue their ridiculous season-opening road trip as they head to San Jose to take on the Sharks for the first time this season. The Blueshirts will be playing their second game in two nights, as they’ll be in Los Angeles to play the Kings on Monday. A quick start will be crucial for San Jose, as it’s very likely that the Rangers will be tired and worn out after playing an aggressive L.A. squad.
It will be interesting to see who is in net for New York. Henrik Lundqvist is not stranger to back-to-back contests, but facing down the Kings and Sharks on consecutive evenings may not be in his best interest. Especially since the Sharks will have two whole off days to prepare and rest up.
Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Thursday, October 10: Vancouver Canucks
Ah, a familiar foe. Can the Sharks make it 11 straight victories over the Canucks? They’ll find out, as they take on Vancouver for the second time in as many weeks. San Jose got big wins over divisional rivals in week one, and continuing that trend in week two could give them a solid jump on the rest of the division.
This will be San Jose’s first road game, and it’s always important to weather the early storm from the home team. The ‘Nucks are going to be fired up to stop the losing streak they have going on against the Sharks as well. While they came out flat in San Jose for the season opener, they looked much more collected against the Edmonton Oilers on October 5 and will likely be a tough out this time around.
Saturday, October 12: Ottawa Senators
The Sharks continue to be spoiled by a batch of home games to begin the season as they head right back to the Shark Tank to play the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. Few teams can bring offense from the blue line like Ottawa, and it’s a joy to watch Erik Karlsson skate regardless of who you’re rooting for. While he may have issues with his internet service, he doesn’t have a hard time finding ways to score from the back end.
Craig Anderson has had a few good periods of hockey and a few bad periods of hockey, and it’ll be interesting to see where his game is at by the time the Sens come to town. He managed to out-duel Ryan Miller in Ottawa’s first game, but couldn’t hold onto a lead to down the Toronto Maple Leafs the next night.
Which Anderson will we see? And will it make a difference in San Jose is still clicking like they have been?