BoT Gameday: Avalanche @ Sharks

After a last second comeback fell short, the San Jose Sharks head home to begin a six-game homestand to close out 2011. Tonight it is the second leg of a home and home series with the Colorado Avalanche.

2-5-2 in their last nine games is a major cause for concern. It is one of the toughest stretches for the team since they went 0-8-2 in November 2005. That rough spell caused Sharks General Manager, Doug Wilson to make the biggest trade in team history as Joe Thornton came over from Boston for Wayne Primeau, Marco Sturm, and Brad Stuart.

However, the home cooking could help tonight. Team Teal has won 10 of the last 12 meetings against Colorado at HP Pavilion. Patrick Marleau, who scored the game tying goal on Tuesday night to force overtime, has 4 goals in the two meetings so far this season. Right now would be a great time for him to get going.

The Sharks must get their special teams together quickly. They seem to be afraid to take the body in fear of collecting penalties due to an awful shorthanded unit. It is now the 29th ranked penalty kill team in the NHL, and have not fixed their issues. The power play which a few weeks ago was the 4th best in the league, has dropped sharply down to 10th.

A shark tends to be menacing and intimidating. It can attack at any moment. For the San Jose Sharks, the time is now to get all their pieces together and be the dominant force it should be.