The San Jose Sharks don't return from Christmas break until tomorrow. It's a nice extra day off while most teams are back in action tonight. However, with the way they have been playing, they have to be itching to get back on the ice.
Th holidays had me running ragged and unable to write, but it's nice to be back and it's nice to see the Sharks playing really good hockey. They are right in the mix for the Pacific Division as they continue to try and catch the Kings and Golden Knights.
The teal and black trail both Los Angeles and Vegas by six points in the standings and they have three games in hand over the Kings. Both Vegas and San Jose have played 34 games.
Btw, Vegas is so darn good. Who the heck say that coming?
Here are a few quick bites to hold you over until the puck drops against Calgary.
- San Jose is winning behind defense and goaltending. Martin Jones is playing phenomenal hockey and the guys in front of him are playing so well that anything more than one goal allowed is a bit surprising. No, shocking really.
- The Sharks have surrendered a league low 84 goals against in 34 games. That's 2.47 goals per game. That's ridiculous when you look at how much scoring is up this season. The bad news is they are enjoying a spike in offense (only 95 goals for), but when you play defense like they are -you don't need much.
- The good news is the power play is red hot. The Sharks are 13-for-38 with at least one power play goal in each of the last eight games. It's easy to see why they are 5-1-2 over that span.
- Logan Couture has missed the last three games with concussion symptoms. He had been their best offensive weapon this season. He's back skating and closing in on a return. That said, the Sharks have scored 10 goals in his absence. If they can continue that when he gets back they become scary good.
- San Jose hosts Calgary on Thursday and then hit the road for eight of the next nine games. That's a pretty tough way to start the new year. Should be interesting to see where they stand after that, especially with a suddenly healthy Anaheim team and suddenly hot Edmonton team right on their heels.
Thanks for reading, Steve