As everyone knows by now, the San Jose Sharks were dismal in a wide variety of areas throughout the 2014-15 season. However, new head coach Peter DeBoer has come in and re-focused this Sharks team on playing a more all-around game, and to this point, the Sharks are thriving in most facets of the game.
When DeBoer came in this offseason, he wanted San Jose to be much better defensively and much better at 5-on-5. Last year, the Sharks ranked 24th in goals against per game at 2.76 and 25th in penalty kill percentage at 78.5.
Obviously it’s been a very small sample size with just three games under their belts, but San Jose leads the league with just one goal allowed in 180 minutes of action (0.33 per game), while being one of five teams that still boasts a perfect penalty kill (11-for-11).
It doesn’t hurt that Martin Jones has been ridiculous to start out the season, leading the league with a .987 save percentage and 0.33 goals-against-average. While Antti Niemi was solid for the Sharks, Jones appears to have given this team a greater deal of confidence. Plus, Paul Martin has been a great addition, and Brent Burns has vastly improved in the defensive end.
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On the offensive side of things, DeBoer noted how the Sharks were always strong on the power play, but they lacked the even-strength scoring to be truly successful. Last year, San Jose finished 22nd in the league after scoring 142 goals at 5-on-5, which was about 63 percent of their total. Also, the Sharks finished with a minus-two goal differential (224 goals scored, 226 goals against), while this year they lead the league with a plus-11 differential (12 goals scored, one goal against).
One of the biggest changes has been a more concerted effort to play a four-line game. In the past, San Jose has been far too dependent on their top-six forwards, and make no mistake, they will need those guys to produce if the Sharks are going to be successful.
However, with the increased depth Doug Wilson brought in this offseason, along with the development of some of their younger players, San Jose is much more equipped to roll their lines over consistently. That depth was on full display in last night’s 5-0 shutout victory over the Washington Capitals.
Three out of San Jose’s four lines recorded goals last night as Joe Thornton, Mike Brown, Tomas Hertl, Matt Nieto and Chris Tierney all scored in the win. That’s the kind of balance this team has lacked for a while, but DeBoer’s confidence in rolling over his lines has paid dividends in the early portions of the season.
At this point last year, San Jose sat at the same point with a 3-0-0 record, including two shutouts. This year has a different feel because this Sharks’ team is more willing to work in all scenarios of the game. They aren’t just waiting to capitalize on the power play. They’re taking the game to their opponent as they lead the league in Shot Attempts Percentage Close at 68.75 percent.
The season is still young, but the emphasis from DeBoer during training camp appears to be manifesting itself on the ice as the results can’t be argued with.
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