The San Jose Sharks climbed to the top of the Pacific Division with a 2-1 overtime win over the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday night. It was the first time in three tries (1-1-1) the Sharks were able to defeat the lowly Coyotes.
Despite the overtime defeat, the Coyotes have points in all three games against the Sharks (2-0-1). Arizona in only 8-10-3 on the season, meaning a quarter of their wins have come on behalf of victories over the Sharks. This is the Sharks season in a nutshell.
San Jose improved to 13-9-1 and are a jaw-dropping 8-3-0 at the SAP Center.
Updated Pacific Division standings...
SJS 13 9 1 27 EDM 12 10 2 26 ANA 11 8 4 26 LAK 12 9 1 25 VAN 10 11 2 22 CGY 10 13 2 22 ARI 8 10 3 19
When you consider just how much the Sharks have struggled offensively, it comes as a bit of a shock that they have ascended to the top of the division. The Sharks offense ranks 24th in the league at 2.35 goals per game. Only six teams are averaging fewer goals than San Jose and the Sharks are the only team yet to score five goals in a game. This time last season they had scored 5 goals SEVEN times! Chew on that nugget for a moment.
The power play is not helping the cause, but has improved to a modest 18.3%.
The Sharks can't possibly be this bad on the offensive side of the puck...can they? I can't see it struggling like this for much longer. In fact, they appear to moving in the right direction. The Sharks have scored 13 goals in their last five games (4-1-0) and at least three goals five of the last 11 games. Baby steps people...baby steps.
Don't blame Brent Burns for the offensive woes. The bearded one scored the game winning goal in overtime and leads San Jose in goals (9) and points (21). That's more points than Melker Karlsson, Tommy Wingels, Joel Ward and Mikkel Boedker COMBINED!
Speaking of Boedker....San Jose's big free agent acquisition is struggling mightily. The shifty winger was supposed to add speed and versatility upfront. Instead, he's provided little of either. Boedker has managed just two goals and three points during his 23 games in teal and black. Sharks coach Pete Deboer even benched him late in the Ducks game. If the Sharks are going to stay at the top they will need more from him and fast.
San Jose can increase their lead over the division with a win in L.A. tonight. A regulation loss pulls the Kings even in the standings and nobody wants that.
Thanks for reading, Steve