Strengths
Michael: Strong Start
One of the brighter aspects of the San Jose Sharks game plan, I’ve noticed, early into this season is jumping out front and setting the pace and momentum right from the very moment the puck drops. San Jose has dominated the opening 20 minutes of play with a 10-2-3 record when scoring the first goal. Furthermore, the Sharks hold a league-leading 27 goals in the first period. That number continues to grow given the boost of energy from swarming and forechecking aggressively from the first shift as well as playing strong and upbeat at SAP.
Steve: Offensive Production
As said before, they lead the NHL in CF, and are second in the NHL in CF/60 and CF%. The San Jose Sharks make their money in the first period. It seems as if the always come out of the gate hot. Offensively this team is rolling, and is with Erik Karlsson yet to get really moving. Once he gets going the San Jose Sharks are going to put the rest of the NHL on notice, if they aren’t already.
The San Jose Sharks are a little bit like their Bay Area Counterparts the Golden State Warriors, as in, when they really get going offensively, it is very hard to stop them. Their puck movement and overall offensive flow throughout all four lines is something unmatched in the NHL, when it’s right.
Lucas: Penalty Kill
The San Jose Sharks have continued their excellence on the PK over their first 21 games. They’ve been outstanding over their recent stretch of games and it’s a big reason why Team Teal has stayed afloat on top the Pacific division over the first quarter of contests.
Something that gets overlooked and I feel is critical for their success is on the PK is how many penalties this team commits overall. The Sharks have been fairly disciplined skaters so far this season. They rank in the bottom third of the league in penalties committed with 64. Team Teal’s also has one of the better save percentages in the NHL on the PK, which has helped lift them into elite special teams status.