Tonight the San Jose Sharks host the New Jersey Devils in the first game of a three-game home-stand against Eastern Conference teams.
The Devils (31-29-7) should pose little challenge to the Sharks (37-23-6), who have playing their best hockey since the All-Star break. The Devils have not.
I'm not going to preview this game because quite frankly I hate writing previews and I have a rooting interest on both sides.
But, I think it's important to mention the importance of this being a home game for San Jose.
At 25-9-2, San Jose still has the best road record in the NHL and we already know all that.
What blows my mind is how badly they have been outplayed at home. With a 12-14-3 record at the Tank, the Sharks have the fewest home wins of any current playoff team and it's not even close.
They've also been embarrassed numerous times in front of the home fans. Here's just a few examples for you to chew on for a bit.
Oct. 22 - 4-1 loss to The LA Kings Nov. 3 - 5-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets Nov. 7 - Shutout 1-0 by the Anaheim Ducks Nov. 25 0 5-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks Dec. 1 - 5-1 loss to Pittsburgh Penguins Dec. 12 - Shutout 2-0 by Minnesota Wild Dec. 23 - 6-3 loss to Colorado Avalanche Jan. 2 - 4-1 loss to Winnipeg Jets Feb. 26 - 3-1 loss to Buffalo Sabres Mar. 5 - 4-2 loss to Vancouver Canucks
And despite all the Shark Tank futility they can still salvage their home record with a strong finish. Why? Because 12 of the Sharks final 16 games are at SAP starting with tonight's game against the Devils.
The Sharks need to set the playoff table now.
Playing strong hockey on the road is important for a long and sustained playoff run, but only if you can handle your business at home. Right now I just don't see any team being scared to play in the Tank....especially a team from the West.
San Jose is 7-9-1 at home against the West. That's important because the Sharks final eight homes games are all against Western Conference teams, including the Kings, Stars and the Blues.
They can flip the switch with a strong showing during that stretch.
The Sharks still have a shot to catch both L.A. and Anaheim for the Pacific Division crown and with it...a chance at home ice in the first round. Think of the confidence boost they would get by winning out at home and overtaking both the Kings and Ducks. Hey. it can happen.
Yeah, yeah...it's a long shot but very possible and Gandhi had it right when he said, “Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.…
Exactly Mahatma.
Yes, I'm ending by quoting Ghandi.
Thanks for reading, Steve