We're just over a week into the 2015-16 NHL season and thus far the San Jose Sharks have been as impressive as anyone. They own a 3-0-0 record and a league-best plus-11 goal differential.
In this edition of the hotstove we discuss whether or not they're for real.
Todd Cordell I think the Sharks are for real.
Over the last decade or so they've been as good as anyone in the regular season and the core of their roster remains in tact. I predicted the Sharks would have a bounce back year and grab a wild card spot but it appears they may be even better than I expected.
Given they've allowed just one goal in three games they're obviously getting unsustainably high save percentages but I do think Martin Jones is a solid goaltender and will give them a chance to win on a nightly basis. If that's the case the Sharks should win a lot of games because they have an extremely talented lineup.
Tim Chiasson Of course they're for real. Only haters believe the Sharks are as bad as they're record last year. This is a good hockey team, and a hockey team that should have been playoff bound last year if not for terrible coaching and self-generated side drama.
Joe Thornton is still one of the top centers in the game and they've added Paul Martin to a defensive group that includes Vlasic and Burns. Martin Jones was a beauty pickup and has played tremendous, carrying over the expectations - actually, exceeding them - so far.
This is a team that can score, defend and play tight in the crease. That's a dangerous team, regardless of whether or not you like them personally.
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