The San Jose Sharks are 4-5-1 in their last ten games, and here is what can be taken away from last night's victory over the Vancouver Canucks.
The San Jose Sharks are 4-5-1 in their last ten games, and here is what can be taken away from last night's victory over the Vancouver Canucks.
1. Special Teams Momentum
Despite the Sharks giving up two powerplay goals last night, they created momentum off special teams.
Whether it was a timely kill or a powerplay that created chances and momentum. In the second period, the Sharks were getting hemmed in defensively and took a penalty. Once they killed the penalty, they started to generate offense again.
"I think they got two powerplay goals. We had a couple of big kills when we needed them," Sharks head coach David Quinn said. "Then we got the four on three, and we scored, which is huge. We showed a lot of grit and a lot of character here tonight."
The Sharks powerplay is up to 11th in the NHL based on percentage. It is sitting at 23.7%. Adding Calen Addison has helped take the number one unit to another level.
2. 4-5-1 In the Last 10
The Sharks have a record of 4-5-1 in their last ten games. It has been ten games since GM Mike Grier sent a message to the group.
That message has resonated with everyone in the organization.
The response that this team is now creating after losses is precisely what Grier wanted to see. San Jose had a tough loss against the Seattle Kraken and has had two good games in a row.
This is more of the hockey that San Jose hoped to play this season.
3. Mike Hoffman Is White Hot
San Jose has started to get offensive contributions from more players. Mike Hoffman is the hottest of them all.
He has six goals in his last six games. He is scoring in all kinds of different ways. Whether going to the net or using his elite shot, Mike Hoffman has started to find his scoring touch.
If the Sharks are going to be competitive this season, they need Hoffman to score consistently.
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