San Jose Sharks Face Big Trip Out Of The Gates
With the All-Star game wrapped up, it’s time for the San Jose Sharks to focus on the second half of the season. San Jose sits in second place with only 34 games remaining, but they will face a stern test to begin the month of February.
The Sharks will embark on a four-game road trip beginning tonight with a big divisional matchup against the Anaheim Ducks. Currently, San Jose holds a five-point lead over Anaheim, but the Ducks do hold a game in hand.
Both teams are playing their best hockey of the season as Anaheim carries a three-game win streak into this matchup, while the Sharks are 8-0-2 over their past 10 games. A win over the Ducks will allow San Jose to bolster their position within the Pacific while keeping Anaheim at bay.
However, a win by the Ducks and they will be right back in the thick of the playoff race.
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
While the matchup with Anaheim will be an important one, San Jose will face three other big games against Western Conference playoff teams to conclude the road trip. The Sharks will square off against the St. Louis Blues for the first time this season before taking on the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks.
These first four games out of the break will be a tone-setter for the stretch run for the boys in teal. After their February collapse last season, San Jose will get an immediate chance to show that they are a different team this year.
Luckily for the Sharks, their best players are paving the way at the moment. San Jose’s top line of Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski and Tomas Hertl have been one of the best lines in the league over the past 10 games, combining for 12 goals which is four more than the next closest line.
Thornton has really picked up his play as he’s recorded at least a point in 10 straight games, and 18 of his past 19. San Jose will need to continue to rely on Thornton as the Sharks face this critical stretch.
As everyone knows, the Sharks have been a streaky team this season and they can ill-afford another down turn in their play. It won’t be easy as they take on four teams that all consider themselves Stanley Cup contenders.
Next: Burns, Pavelski Help Pacific To All-Star Crown
San Jose’s road record, the second-best in the league at 16-6-2, will be put to the test but it will provide a gauge for this Sharks team.
Last season, this group faltered when the season was on the line. Beginning tonight in Anaheim, the Sharks will have an opportunity to prove they belong amongst the contenders in the West.