The San Jose Sharks wrapped up another exciting week of intense hockey action as the push for the postseason has officially begun. The Sharks have been able to give themselves some breathing room as they are currently seven points clear of the Arizona Coyotes and Minnesota Wild, but they’re in a tight race with the Anaheim Ducks for second place in the Pacific.
With only 28 games remaining, the race for the playoffs will be a tight one for the boys in teal as they look to put the disappointment of last season behind them.
Get caught up on all the latest news and notes surrounding the Sharks in this week’s roundup:
– Following a blowout loss against the Nashville Predators, San Jose faced a tall task of squaring off against the Chicago Blackhawks for the final time this season. The Sharks responded well as they concluded their four-game road trip after the All-Star break with a 2-0 shutout victory as Martin Jones made 33 saves in net to pick up his fifth shutout of the year.
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– Despite splitting their opening four games out of the break, the Sharks have remained one of the best teams away from home ice this year as their 18 victories on the road is tied for the most in the Western Conference.
– San Jose returned home for a brief two-game home stand as they welcomed the Calgary Flames to SAP Center. Things didn’t start out well for the Sharks as they staked the Flames a 4-1 lead after 20 minutes of play. However, San Jose would score four unanswered goals, but ultimately, couldn’t hang on as Calgary emerged with a 6-5 win in the shootout.
– One of the key reasons behind San Jose’s turn around over the past month has been the play of Joe Thornton who has been a catalyst for this Sharks team. Thornton was tabbed as the Player of the Month for January after amassing 15 points (two goals, 13 assists) in 12 games, including a 10-game point streak.
– With San Jose still remaining thin on defense, the Sharks missed an opportunity to add some much needed depth on the blue line as Jared Cowen was traded to Toronto.
– After early season struggles in which San Jose couldn’t find a way to end their losing streaks, the Sharks haven’t lost back-to-back games since the beginning of January. Their ability to respond from tough losses has allowed team teal to maintain their positioning within the division standings.
– Finally, after many years behind the bench in the AHL, Roy Sommer broke Fred Cook’s wins record as the San Jose Barracuda defeated the Ontario Reign as Sommer picked up his 637th career victory.
Next: San Jose Takes Care Of Business Against Arizona
The Sharks are back on the road beginning tomorrow night in Tampa as San Jose starts their final extended road trip of the season against the defending Eastern Conference champions. San Jose will find themselves playing five games over the course of nine days as they hope to continue their great play away from home ice.