San Jose Sharks: Week ahead includes dates with Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks

Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Fans of the San Jose Sharks can take a deep breath and relax for a few reasons, but the upcoming schedule this week isn’t one of them. While the squad appears to have shaken off November’s rust and finally (finally) have Brent Burns back in the lineup, the next three contests will prove to be quite challenging.

After a light week that saw the Sharks pound the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-1 and down the New Jersey Devils by a 2-1 final, San Jose will have its works cut out with their much heavier week nine schedule. They’ll take on the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday before heading into a vicious back-to-back series against the St. Louis Blues (Friday) and Anaheim Ducks (Saturday).

The 15-3-5 Sharks have two “four point” game against Pacific Division opponents this week, so they could either reclaim the top spot from the Ducks or sink back a spot or two depending on how they contests shake out. One positive for the Sharks is that all three games will take place on home ice.

Here are some early thoughts on the upcoming games and what San Jose should be looking to do against each opponent.