The San Jose Sharks have been perfectly mediocre this season. Through 24 games, the Sharks are 10-10-4 and hold 24 points in the Pacific. Unfortunately for the Sharks, that record isn’t going to cut it and head coach Todd McLellan is on the hot seat. Are the Sharks struggling because of their tactics? Is it a lack of effort? What’s going on here?
Joe Pavelski told the San Jose Mercury News that it isn’t for a lack of effort, but things aren’t going as they should.
“The harder we try right now it’s like the worse it’s going.”
Is Pavelski’s statement accurate? If you’ve watched the Sharks, you’re probably going to disagree. You may recognize the club pressing at times, but there’s definitely been a lack of motivation, a lack of urgency and a lack of persistence out on the ice. Offensively, the Sharks aren’t generating high-quality chances and they aren’t capitalizing on the opportunities they are generating. If it’s not a question of talent (which it might be) then it has to be a question of effort and tactics.
To date, the Sharks have been average. Their defense ranks 14th in the NHL allowing 2.58 goals a night and their offense ranks 19th by scoring 2.50 goals a night. Does that sound like a team which is giving its all?
Pavelski’s comments are certainly going to rub fans the wrong way. It sounds like another excuse from a team loaded with excuses.
