The Sharks were supposed to have a relatively simple goaltending tandem entering this season. Martin Jones would continue as the starter, with Aaron Dell serving as the very capable backup. So long as the Sharks could be predictable without the puck, everything would be fine. Let’s first establish every possible definition, and then evaluate where the Sharks have been.
A conversation: When the goalie playing less is earning more opportunities.
A competition: No clear-cut No. 1, auditions are on full display.
A controversy: The goalie playing less is playing better, but not playing more.
A conundrum: Both goalies not playing well, with no obvious alternatives.
A combination: Your No. 1 is playing like it, and your No. 2 is playing as such. Read More…
It’s strange to hear Joe Pavelski refer to the San Jose Sharks as “they.” For Sharks fans, a tough season will get tougher this Saturday when the beloved ex-captain visits SAP Center for the first time as a member of the Dallas Stars. I caught up with Pavelski in Los Angeles, where the Stars are beginning their West Coast road trip. Pavelski talked about where his game is at, San Jose’s struggles, Logan Couture being named Sharks captain, whether or not Doug Wilson gave him a contract offer and Grandma Pavelski. Joe Pavelski: Just looking forward to getting back there and seeing some people. It’ll be fun to go back there, get back in the SAP Center with all the fans. Read More…
The Sharks keep finding ways to surprise everyone on this road trip. Two days after upsetting the Pittsburgh Penguins in overtime, the Sharks got goals from Barclay Goodrow, Evander Kane and Kevin Labanc to help top the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 on Saturday at Nationwide Arena. Goalie Aaron Dell made 21 saves, including 20 in the first two periods, in his second consecutive start as the Sharks improved to 3-1-1 in their last five games. The Blue Jackets came into Saturday with an 8-0-4 record in games since Dec. 9. Zach Werenski scored twice for Columbus, which had just two shots on goal in the final 20 minutes. Read More…
Forward Stefan Noesen will make his much-anticipated return to PPG Paints Arena tonight when his Sharks play the Penguins at 7 p.m. Noesen began the year on an AHL contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, leading the team with 22 points in 22 games. After a string of injuries to forwards, Pittsburgh signed Noesen to an NHL contract on Dec. 2. He made his Penguins debut two nights later, and scored a goal in his first game. Read More…
The Sharks have reached a point under interim coach Bob Boughner where they more or less know what to expect from each other on the defensive side of the ice. As deep of a hole the Sharks dug themselves in the first half of the season, if they can find a way to score on a consistent basis, perhaps — with that defensive foundation — it’s possible for them to string together a few victories and even rejoin the playoff race in the Western Conference. It’s a long way off, but Saturday’s game was another step in that direction as the Sharks got goals from Barclay Goodrow, Evander Kane and Kevin Labanc to help top the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 at Nationwide Arena. It was the fourth straight game the Sharks (19-21-3) have held an opponent to two goals or less, as Aaron Dell, starting for the second time in three days, finished with 21 saves. The Sharks, 13th in the Western Conference, have a 3-1-1 record since a 3-1 loss to Vegas on Dec. 22, and go into Sunday’s game with the Washington Capitals with a lot more belief than they had before the Christmas break. Read More…
Aaron Dell, Barclay Goodrow, Evander Kane, Headlines, Joe Pavelski, Kevin Labanc, Logan Couture, Martin Jones, san jose sharks, Stefan Noesen, Zach Werenski
