San Jose Sharks Newcomers Leading The Way During Preseason
The San Jose Sharks and general manager Doug Wilson had a big offseason in bringing in many new faces into the organization to improve upon the disastrous 2014-15 season. Through the first four games of preseason action, the new acquisitions have fared quite well in their teal debuts.
Martin Jones, Paul Martin and Joel Ward were the marquis names Wilson brought to San Jose and all three have made their impact felt.
Jones, who came with the biggest question marks after Wilson sent a first round pick to the Boston Bruins, has shown the poise and confidence between the pipes that made him such a highly touted prospect. In two starts, Jones has stopped 49 of 51 shots he’s faced, including a 4-0 shutout victory over the Vancouver Canucks during his first start on Sept. 22.
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Jones has looked comfortable in working with his new teammates and seems unflappable when he’s in net. The San Jose Sharks and their fans should be quite happy with what they’ve seen from their new franchise goaltender thus far.
Martin signed a four-year deal this offseason and was a priority for Wilson when the free agency period began. Immediately, Peter DeBoer penciled in Martin as the perfect pair for Brent Burns on the San Jose blue line.
The pairing has been great in their two games together. Both players have averaged more than 25 minutes of ice time, and both have registered one goal and two assists, while being a plus-three in preseason action.
Martin is a solid, veteran who compliments the aggressiveness of Burns. With the way these two have gelled to this point, expect a big year and plenty of action for this duo as they are showcasing why Martin was such a coveted man by Wilson.
The final man of the triumvirate Wilson brought in was Ward, who has slotted in on the right wing on San Jose’s second line alongside Patrick Marleau and Logan Couture.
Ward is another veteran who brings an experienced presence to the lineup. Ward is not afraid to throw his body around and is the perfect wing man for the speed and skill of his two linemates. Ward scored the lone goal for San Jose during their 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks last night. He was named the second star in more than 20 minutes of ice time.
Throw in youngsters such as Joonas Donskoi, Nikolay Goldobin and Dylan DeMelo, and the San Jose Sharks have seen an upgrade in their talent and depth this preseason. With the newcomers proving their worth, this San Jose outfit looks like a far-cry from the one that limped to the finish last year.
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