It’s not news that the Sharks are in the middle of their rebuild period and it shows in their record. However, the Sharks have had a better start to their season than they did in the previous year. Still not a successful record, but a slight improvement from last season. There is still work that needs to be done and areas that need improvement just like any other young team. One thing they have been great at is remaining inconsistent to win. Whether it is the constant changing of line pairings, injuries or trades, the team has not been able to find a successful rhythm.
Time Changes Things in Win-Loss Record for San Jose Sharks
The Sharks are 11-17-5 this season, an impressive jump from where they were this time last year. This season they are not the last placed team in the Pacific Division, yet things tend to change fast in the league. Last year, the Sharks had a record of 9-19-3 in December with 31 games under their belt. They were sitting dead last in the division.
They are slowly becoming a team that is learning what it takes to win. It does help that they have an impressive roster that holds great skill and talent. Once they can find their footing, the sky will be the limit for them.
The ‘Lund’ Line Makes up top 3 Point Leaders on the Sharks Roster- yet their Performances are Lacking.
Mikael Granlund and William Eklund, and Fabian Zetterlund have remained consistent in the terms of being the teams points leaders. Granlund ended last season with 60 points, Eklund ended with 45 points and Zetterlund with 44. As of now, Granlund has 32 points, Eklund has 25 points, and Zetterlund is at 22. With nearly 60% of the season left, it will not be a shock if they bypass their previous years points.
Mikael Granlund puts Team Teal in front
— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) December 15, 2024
Individually, they have not remained constant and it has cost them their spots on the top lines. Eklund and Zetterlund have been dropped to the fourth line and even benched based on their performances.
Inconsistency Seeping Into their Game
The Sharks gave up a lead in the third period at home against the Utah Hockey Club. Zetterlund was able to score in the third period, putting the Sharks in the lead. However, following his goal, the team seemed to give up as if the game were over. Instead of playing the game to win, they backed off and paid the price. Utah came back with a vengeance and scored two goals within ten minutes, giving Utah the win.
Defenceman Cody Ceci had a few comments on where the team needs to focus to grow. “Next step would be to get the killer instinct in the third and not be on our heels too much and try and survive games.”
Head coach Ryan Warsofsky had other thoughts on where the team has lacked, “We just stopped playing. We look for someone else to do each other’s jobs, instead of just worrying about what our job is.”
Sharks Shake Up Goal Crease
Goaltending has had its good games, but has also had their share of bad gams. Prior to losing Mackenzie Blackwood, the Sharks seemed to struggle with Vitek Vanecek in the net. His inability to remain solid, block, and protect his goal has continued to be the pattern. While playing against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Vanecek allowed five goals in the first period before being pulled the rest of the game.
Alexandar Georgiev was traded to the Sharks for Blackwood. Georgiev has a impressive resume, yet this season hasn’t been one he would have imagined. The 2024 All Star goalie has had a slow start as a Colorado Avalanche, which resulted in the trade that landed him in San Jose. With one official game as a Shark, Georgiev has one win with 17 saves on 20 shots on net.
Alexandar Georgiev earns a win in his first game with the #SJSharks, making 17 saves on 20 shots faced.
Macklin Celebrini (2g, 1a), Nikolai Kovalenko (0g, 3a) and Jake Walman (1g, 1a) with multi-point efforts in the victory.
— San Jose Sharks PR (@SanJoseSharksPR) December 13, 2024
This is an area that will continue to go through development in order to improve. With a new goaltender to the line up, it might take time for him to adjust.
The Sharks Need to Find their Rhythm
The talent within their franchise is exciting to watch and the future looks promising for despite the tough record for the San Jose Sharks. Yet, after 33 games played this season, they are barely making any strides in proving that they are serious about their abilities.
The Sharks face the Winnipeg Jets at home on December 17th before facing the Colorado Avalanche on December 19th. Both teams will provide a challenge for the Sharks, including facing Blackwood for the first time since the trade.
Main Photo: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
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