It’s only been a couple games. There’s absolutely no discernible way to determine how the San Jose Sharks will perform in April and May.
That being said, I sure hope they do as well as they did this past opening night.
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What everyone expected going into the Staples Center on Wednesday was a slaughter. The Sharks fell to the Los Angeles Kings in what was considered one of the more miraculous playoff comebacks of all time. What was to be different about the opening game? The Kings didn’t do much during the offseason, their chemistry should still be there!
But no. I praise the hockey gods for it. The Sharks played spoiler, taking down their biggest California rival 4-0 at their own banner raising ceremony. The team was well balanced, all of the lines and defensive pairings clicked like a chain link, tying the Kings together and never letting them get away with anything.
How satisfying was it? Very.
And then came the Winnepeg match, the Sharks’ home opener.
It was a different story with this game. The first period and a half was one of the strongest looking games I have ever seen, carrying over the rushes and the attitude from game one.
However, the last half showed a side of the Sharks that fans are all too familiar with, especially after forfeiting four games to lose any hope for the 2014 Stanley Cup. Going 0-8 in the power play and letting goaltender Alex Stalock carry the team through the rest of the game is something that could very well become something that will happen more often, especially after happening so early on in the season.
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- Three prospects the Sharks should consider drafting
- Red hot Couture provides a much needed boost
- Is it reasonable for the Sharks to fire Doug Wilson?
- NHL misses golden opportunity with Tahoe games
With all this in mind, I predict another strong season for the Sharks. With every strong season is a lull in play, usually after the All Star Weekend. If Sharks can push through that, anything is possible.
Oh, and if they don’t let go of a series lead in the playoffs, that’d be even better.
Definitely watch out for players like Tomas Hertl, Mirco Mueller and Alex Stalock, all of whom are going to make a huge splash in the roster this season.