David Quinn shares his thoughts on his first year behind the bench in San Jose.
The record of 22-46-16 may not say that San Jose Sharks head coach had a "good season," but David Quinn got the San Jose Sharks to play for him.
From March 28-April 1st, the Sharks won three straight, beating the Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights, and the Arizona Coyotes. Many fans felt that this three-game win streak was more hurtful due to their placement in the standings, but it just goes to show that the team was playing for Quinn all the way through the end of the season.
Throughout the entire season, a high work ethic was a clear vision that both Quinn and general manager Mike Grier wanted to bring into Team Teal.
Here is what Coach Quinn had to say during his end-of-season media availability:
The biggest takeaway from the season:
"That we're going in the right direction. Based on all of our conversations here throughout the season, in particular, at the end of the season, our record certainly wasn't what anybody wanted it to be. I know the last five, six weeks have been difficult with all the changes we made, but [I] certainly feel good about some of the foundation we set moving forward here. It's been a tough stretch in the last four years. We know the situation we were in, and like I've said numerous times, this season [and] the last few have been a byproduct of having a lot of success. That's what happens in pro sports, and we've got the right people in place here to help us accelerate this process, meaning some of the players in the locker room, and I feel really good about our future."
On what the Sharks need to improve on next season:
"When we had everybody [earlier in the season] and what we’re looking for, we’ve got to get our pucks out. I think things in the backend, moving pucks quicker and better, being more efficient in our breakouts, execution on our breakouts, and puck play from our D corps, has to improve dramatically. I think our grit and compete has to improve. Pushback, and I don’t mean fighting, just more pushback."
Thoughts on the goaltending tandem:
"Listen, it is what it is. Those numbers are real, and that plays a role in it, for sure. The goalies were frustrated with their play for stretches. That is part of being a successful hockey team. When you look at our team, you look at all three positions, and you got to evaluate them honestly. Our goaltending needs to be better. I think these guys are good goalies. That doesn’t mean you’re looking to go out and change them. Our goaltending needs to be better. We need to defend better."
Quinn on how defending better could help the netminders more:
"Mid-January, we did a deep dive into our goals against, and the No. 1 reason we were given up goals is because of offensive zone turnovers, which turned into crazy odd-man rushes. It wasn’t plays at the offensive blue line. It wasn’t crazy pinches and dives. It was all O-zone turnovers that cost us. They accounted for about 35 percent of the scoring chances against. Our D-zone play was the last reason why we were giving up scoring chances. Puck management and skill also played a factor into playing defense because when you’re turning pucks over, you’re on offense, and all of a sudden, you have to play defense, and it’s tough to get into structure when you’re giving up turnovers."
What about Kevin Labanc's season:
"He and I just talked. He and I both agree it was a very inconsistent season for him. There were stretches that I really liked, and there were stretches I didn’t like. He knows. The good news, he and I are on the same page on what he needs to do to be the player we all think he’s capable of being. I don’t want to get into specifics, but it was a tough year for him away from the rink for a variety of reasons. He knows I’m aware of that, I’m certainly sympathetic to that."
Thoughts on the play of William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, and Jacob Peterson:
"I thought Bordy’s game, the last game, was his best game since being called up. I liked all of Eklund’s games, for the most part. Peterson, from my end of it, was a pleasant surprise. He did a good job. And then Thrun. Thrun stepped in and really played well. I think Mike’s done a really good job in a short time improving our talent pool and our depth with prospects."
Quinn on the season of Tomas Hertl:
"There’s not a better human being playing in the National Hockey League than Tomas Hertl. Sometimes, that’s a problem because he wears everything on his sleeve, and when there’s a mistake, or he feels like he let someone down, it really weighs on him. It slows him down. So confidence is part of it with him. When he lets something, he lets a bad play get in the way. He’s got a lot of great hockey ahead of him. He was frustrated with his inconsistencies. He and I touched on the two areas he absolutely has to get better at. He knows it. He’s gonna work on it. And I think we’re gonna see a much more consistent player next year."
On Mario Ferraro:
"Mario and I talked a lot today. People lose track of the fact he’s 24 years old, and there’s been a lot thrown at him in a short period of time, and he’s not immune to all the other challenges of a 24-year-old. The contract and different partners he had all year. He puts a lot of pressure on himself. We don’t have any more caring, competitive player than we do in Mario. He and I had a long conversation today, following up some of the conversations we had during the year of just relaxing a little bit more and not trying to do too much. He does it because he wants us to do so well. I’d much rather have that than someone who’s trying to do too much for their own individual reasons."
Quinn on coaching team USA for the World Championships:
"Gonna take a little time away. Building a house in Westerly, Rhode Island. Make sure the construction people don’t screw that up. Play a lot of golf. Already looking forward to next year. One day of rest is enough for me."