The San Jose Sharks are a strange team. They’re a statistical anomaly. They’re 10-8 with 20 points on the season. They’re sixth in the Pacific Division, but only two points away from a wild card spot, as Calgary is sitting third in the division with 22 points. The Sharks are in the top ten in the league in shots per game with 33, yet they’re nearly dead last in the league in goals per game with 2.44. The Sharks have taken 627 total shots, and have 45 goals. Think about that for a second. Oh, not to mention, their best player, Brent Burns doesn’t have a goal this year.
This team is near the top of the league in every defensive category, and they’re playing well in every other offensive category as well. They’re 1st in the league in shots against per game, goals against per game, and total goals against. They have one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. And yet, we’re here.
So whats the problem? Why can’t the Sharks score goals? Is it bad luck, or is it something else? I’m more inclined to lean towards bad luck. I know, almost 20 games into the season bad luck sounds like an excuse, but the numbers speak for themselves. By every measurable stat except goals, that Sharks are playing good hockey. They’re driving possession, they’re getting shots on net, they’re elite defensively. They’re just not scoring.
The Sharks need to start putting the biscuit in the basket or else this team is in trouble. I think they will. The goals will come. Head Coach Peter DeBoer needs to give the younger guys like Kevin LeBanc, Temo Meier, and newest edition to the team, Danny O’Regan, a bit of a longer leash than he has. These guys have all the potential in the world, and they just need to develop it. They are being held back by some veterans who are not performing on this team. Guys like O’Regan, LeBanc and Meier are here to light the lamp. Meier had a goal against Boston on Saturday, off of a nice assist by O’Regan, I want to see more of that. The Sharks need to see more of the younger players perform at a higher level, and they need it soon.
Goals are coming. The numbers say so. And if not, then something needs to change, and it needs to change fast.
*** I mentioned in the podcast that he sharks had 25 Goals For, I meant to say 45. As you could tell, Mikey and I were a bit fired up for this one!***