Winning Games From Behind: Harmful Or Helpful To The Sharks?

Winning From Behind: Helpful or Harmful?

Dec 23, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Jason Demers (5) celebrates after scoring during the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

We’ve seen it happen time and time again. The San Jose Sharks give up lead after lead, only to work to come from behind in the middle or latter stages of a hockey game. We’ve seen it happen in the 2011 playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings when the Sharks fell behind 4-0 at Staples Center only to mount an unbelievable comeback to win the game 6-5. It’s happened recently too, with the Sharks continuing to blow leads, winning some games and losing some. Now, one would say that a win’s a win, no matter how pretty or ugly. And if San Jose wins the Cup for the first time in franchise history coming from behind, we can all celebrate the win.

The question is, though, how likely is that to happen? And does coming from behind actually hurt a team more than help in the long run? Consistency is very important in sports. Team’s have to be on the right side of that consistent line to win consecutive games, and even championships. The Sharks have a bad habit of either not pressing early and going down a goal or two, then coming back, or stepping on the gas pedal and then letting the opposition back in. It’s an area of concern and definitely something they should work on if they want to win that elusive Holy Grail of the NHL. But should winning games from behind continuously motivate them to work even harder or should they be demoralized?

What are you thoughts?