The San Jose Sharks search for their first win of the season after a 3-2 shootout loss to Dallas. Their recent loss drops them to 0-1-2, fifth in the Pacific Division to start the season. Team Teal has scored six goals and allowed nine, averaging 2.00 goals for and 3.00 against per game.
Key Takeaways from Each Game
In Game 1 against the St. Louis Blues, the Sharks struggled with puck possession. After regulation they were outshot 40-29. According to Hockey-Reference.com, the Sharks spent 53.1 percent of time in the offensive zone but failed to capitalize. The Blues dominated in possession and created much more offensive pressure.
On a positive note, this game marked the debut of 2024 NHL Draft pick Macklin Celebrini. The 18-year-old forward logged his first NHL goal, assist, two shots, and one takeaway in 17:35 of ice time.
No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Will Smith, also made his debut. The 19-year-old center from Boston College logged two shots, 16 shifts, and 13:41 of ice time.
In Game 2 against the Anaheim Ducks, Team Teal actually outplayed the Ducks in offensive pressure despite being shutout 2-0. Including blocked and missed shots, the Sharks controlled play more than half the time after 60 minutes of play. Sharks and Ducks were also even with shots on goal 30-30. Finishing plays and following through on opportunities will turn these chances into goals.
In Game 3 the Sharks looked a lot like Game 1. Dallas, a favored Stanley Cup contender last season, heavily outplayed the Sharks in terms of shot attempts. The Sharks won 27 faceoffs to the Stars’ 28, and both teams scored two a piece in the second period. Although faceoffs were nearly even, the Sharks improved throughout the game and stayed competitive, forcing overtime and a shootout.
Forward Mikael Granlund was the lone scorer for the Sharks in the shootout. Dallas’s Wyatt Johnston scored the shootout-winning goal with a snap shot against Mackenzie Blackwood.
Power Play Needs Improvement
Team Teal is 1-for-8 on the power play this season. The Sharks have struggled to capitalize on the man-advantage. San Jose’s power play had two opportunities against the Blues, three against the Ducks, and three against the Stars. Their last power play goal was scored by Fabian Zetterlund against St. Louis. Improving their power play conversion rate will be key for the Sharks moving forward.
In their special teams play the Sharks’ penalty kill is a bright spot, with the team 11-for-11 this season.
What’s Next?
On Wednesday, the Sharks announced forward William Eklund is day-to-day and a game-time decision for Thursday vs. Chicago Blackhawks. Celebrini is also not with the team for their road trip because of a lower body injury.
After Thursday’s matchup, the Sharks will wrap up their back-to-back road trip on Friday against the 3-0-0 Winnipeg Jets.
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