If the San Jose Sharks stumble out of the gate in October, how long is it going to be before Doug Wilson gets on the phone and makes something happen? It’s a legitimate question because the Sharks off-season moves have sent them back into win-now mode after taking a year off to find themselves in the remote village of Suckville, USA.
The Sharks added a veteran on offense and on defense, as well as a goaltender who should have no problem meeting the low expectation bar that was left in place by Antti Niemi. That puts pressure on the team to win – and pressure on the GM to make sure they do by monitoring the roster closely.
Sure, there’s going to be growing pains in a new system set out by head coach Peter DeBoer, but the leash can’t be extensive in length for this roster. They simply have to produce results and not get behind early in the season.
They’re first seven games are going to provide a massive test.
@ LA ANA @ WSH @ NJ @ NYI @ NYR LA
That’s not an easy start to the 2015-2016 campaign. The only (should be) free win in there is against the New Jersey Devils – but even that can’t be completely guaranteed given that Cory Schneider is an all-world goaltender.
San Jose has to have their system at least somewhat figured out before they step onto the ice in Los Angeles for opening night or they could find themselves in a huge hole by the time October ends. If that happens – the hole finding – then what will Doug Wilson do?
There might not be pressure coming from the top on Doug Wilson, but if he has any shred of dignity he should have a massive amount of pressure placed on himself and his own expectations. That pressure should lead to a shrewd evaluation, from game one, of this roster – and they shouldn’t wait around to add pieces should the opportunity present itself.
I’ve been on the fire Doug Wilson train since last off-season, but I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt on what his reaction will be to the early stages of the season this year. He has to recognize what’s on the table for the Sharks this year. It’s not going to be an easy ride in the Pacific. The only team that got worse (of the three that matter) is the Vancouver Canucks. The Flames are better and the Ducks and Kings are still the quality clubs that everyone knows them to be.
This is also, probably, the last year that no one has to really worry about the Edmonton Oilers. Next year should be a different story, but the Sharks need to recognize that as well and make good on this roster while they still can.
Most people have written off the Sharks already – and that’s fine, they’ve somewhat earned it – so there may be some shock value to this team and opponents not taking them seriously.
The bottom line is this October is a very important month and could show just how invested in winning the front office really is based on the results and the reactionary developments that follow.
Thanks for reading.