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San Jose Sharks First Period Success Is Vital To Winning Formula

By Michael Gutnick

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 09: Evander Kane #9 of the San Jose Sharks celebrates his first period power-play goal against the Philadelphia Flyers with his teammates on the bench on October 9, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 09: Evander Kane #9 of the San Jose Sharks celebrates his first period power-play goal against the Philadelphia Flyers with his teammates on the bench on October 9, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The San Jose Sharks have brought their A-game right out of the gate into games early this season. The numbers don’t lie. Score early and often – that’s the winning formula driving the Sharks down the path to victory.

Getting off to a hot start and heading into the dressing room with a comfortable lead after one period that’s what every hockey team desires. Setting the pace and building momentum right from the very moment the puck drops has been the recipe of success for the San Jose Sharks.

Nearing the quarter pole of the 2018-2019 season, it’s a no-brainer that the San Jose Sharks thrive on their incredible offensive production in the first period when you glance at the statistics:

  • The San Jose Sharks lead the NHL with 21 goals in the first period.
  • 37.5% of the Sharks’ goal total this season has come in the opening 20 minutes of play.
  • When scoring first, the Sharks are 8-2-3. When leading after one period, the Sharks are 5-0-1.
  • The Sharks have out-shot their opponents 213-166 in the first period (+47).

The San Jose Sharks are hungrier than ever before, especially for the top forward lines. Timo Meier is at the forefront of the Sharks charge into battle. The San Jose Sharks 9th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft paces the team with six first period goals. Not only does Meier lead the team in that department, but he is tied for No. 1 in the league with New Jersey’s leading goal scorer Kyle Palmieri and Chicago’s captain Jonathan Toews.

Evander Kane also provides a spark with his incredible breakout speed and uncanny ability to fire on goal with near pin-point accuracy. San Jose Sharks fans rose to their feet last Sunday night when he ripped the opening goal past Mike Smith in the first minute of the game to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead and big boost of confidence and momentum over the Calgary Flames.

Now, Kane sits tied for sixth in the NHL with four goals. His wicked release and instant acceleration make the 27-year-old left winger a ominous threat every time he steps onto the ice. Another interesting note – Brent Burns does not lead the Sharks in shots on goal. It’s actually Kane who possesses the highest total with 71 shots on goal. Meier is right behind him with 62 and Burns finds himself in third with 55.

Next. Is Joe Pavelski about to light it up?. dark

Let’s see if this first period magic carries on as the Sharks enjoy a six-game homestand. It’s essential for San Jose to score early often as they welcome the offensively-minded Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues, and Edmonton Oilers into town. Hold onto your hats, the red light will be going off quite sooner than you think!

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