The San Jose Sharks (3-3-0) return to Northern California following a miserable 3-0 shutout loss in Detroit on Saturday. San Jose fell to 3-3 (3rd Pacific) on the season.
It was the latest setback in what proved to be a rough start the 2016-17 season.
The Sharks finished their first Eastern Conference road trip with two consecutive losses and 2-3 overall in the five games. They were outscored 17-12 in the fives games while allowing three or more goals in all three losses. It's a very disappointing start to the road schedule for a team that was so dominant on their opponents own ice a season ago.
The Sharks typically score goals in bunches. That how they are built anyway, especially on special teams. Not the case so far. The power play in a below average 15% and the penalty kill is still meandering around 78%.
And it gets worse.
San Jose is dead last in the NHL on face-offs and only averaging 2.33 goals per game through their first six games, while allowing 3.00 goals per game. Their offense is more than half a goal down from last season (2.89) and they are surrendering nearly half a goal more per game (2.52).
and worse.
The Sharks have scored a total of 14 goals through the first six games of the season. Only the Pittsburgh Penguins (2.00) and the New Jersey Devils (1.80) are averaging less goals per game.
If that road trip was any indication of what we can expect from San Jose going forward...they are deep trouble.
Fortunately, all is not lost on the first six games of the season. San Jose has had two full days off and sleeping in their own beds to clear their heads, regroup and get back on track.
The Anaheim Ducks (2-3-1) could be just what the doctor ordered to get things turned around. A rivalry game on home ice can change the narrative quickly. Plus, the Ducks haven't exactly been tearing the league up either.
We will see when the teams face off tonight at the SAP Center. The puck drops 7pm.
Final note:
The Sharks played their last game ever at Joe Louis Arena on Saturday. The Red Wings are moving into a new building in 2017. San Jose went 10-4-1 in their last 15 games at the "Joe" and it was also the site of what could be considered one of the biggest upsets in league history....
San Jose Sharks Blogger • 
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