The San Jose Sharks have typically enjoyed quite the home ice advantage at SAP Center throughout the years. However, the Sharks encountered some uncharacteristic struggles last season going 19-17-5, including failing to record a win during the month of February.
San Jose will be looking to turn things around next year and, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the top-10 home games for the San Jose Sharks in 2015-16, starting with games 6-10.
10. New York Rangers (Saturday, March 19 at 1:00 p.m.)
Dan Boyle returns to San Jose in what could be his final season if he decides to retire after next year when his contract runs out. The Rangers are always a big draw, and a matinee affair to kick off a six-game homestand in the thick of the playoff chase only adds to the importance of this one.
The Sharks dropped both games against New York a season ago and will want to make amends to prove that they are ready for the postseason.
9. Tampa Bay Lightning (Saturday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m.)
Steven Stamkos and the reigning Eastern Conference champion Lightning will make their only appearance at SAP Center in early December. The Sharks split the season series with Tampa Bay a season ago, and this will be an early season test to see how San Jose stacks up against one of the elite teams in the NHL.
Seeing one of the best players on the planet up close and personal will be a treat for Sharks fans who don’t get the chance to see Stamkos’ talents on a regular basis. Also, hockey fans will get the chance to check out the San Jose Barracuda who will be playing earlier in the day as part of a doubleheader for hockey in San Jose.
More from Editorials
- Korenar deserves a chance at the NHL level
- 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
8. Los Angeles Kings (Thursday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m.)
After opening their season against Los Angeles on October 7, San Jose gets their opportunity to host the rival Kings 15 days later. Simply put, the Sharks and Kings don’t like one another, and the tank will be rocking with “Beat L.A.” chants all night.
Also, it will be a big test for Martin Jones who will likely get his second crack at his former teammates, except this time it will come at home where Sharks fans will be eager to see how he performs.
7. Edmonton Oilers (Thursday, January 14 at 7:30 p.m.)
Todd McLellan makes his first return to SAP Center after a mutual decision to part ways over the summer. McLellan spent seven seasons behind the bench with the Sharks and expect him to get quite the standing ovation from the San Jose faithful. McLellan is the franchise leader in wins and did everything but take the Sharks to the promised land.
Throw in the fact that Sharks fans will get their first up-close and personal look at 2015 first-round pick Connor McDavid and this will be one that needs to be circled on the calendar.
6. Anaheim Ducks (Saturday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m.)
Unfortunately, Anaheim won’t visit the Sharks Tank again during the 2015-16 season and it’s too bad it comes so early in the season. San Jose dominated the reigning Pacific Division champions last year, taking nine out of a possible 10 points.
Sharks fans will be sure to utilize their final opportunity to heckle Corey Perry, and these matchups always tend to lead to some sort of fireworks. With San Jose looking to re-establish their standing within the division, this game will be one you’ll won’t want to miss.
Check back in on Monday as we take a look at the San Jose Sharks top-five home games that you won’t want to miss.
Next: San Jose Sharks Five Most Difficult Homestands