San Jose Sharks Preview 2021
In their first 27 years, the San Jose Sharks went to the Stanley Cup Playoffs 21 times. However, our San Jose Sharks preview 2021 - 22 notes that in that time, they never won the Cup. In fact, San Jose rarely got past the second round, and in 2016 when they did make it to the finals, they lost to Pittsburgh two games to four. Their past two seasons, the Sharks have completely bottomed out, finishing eighth in the division in 2020 and seventh in 2021. Last season, as part of the West, San Jose posted a record of 21-28-7 which was good for just 49 points. In 2021-2022, can the Sharks possible extricate themselves from the bottom of the Pacific Division?
Sharks - Key Skaters
Often a combination of talented youthful players and skilled veterans yields winning result. However, when those young players need a lot more experience to be competitive and the older players are at their expiration dates, then there’s usually more losing than winning. Our San Jose Sharks preview 2021 - 22 notes that for this team to have a shot at being competitive, they must see vets like Logan Couture, Timo Meier, Tomas Hertl, Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns reemerge as healthy, productive contributors. At the same time, young guys such as William Eklund and Jonathan Dahlen must have breakthrough seasons before one would expect them to.
San Jose Sharks Preview 2021 – Goaltending
Veteran goalie James Reimer starts his 12th NHL season with a new team. This is his second time with the Sharks when he spent part of the 2015-16 season. Since then, he’s spent three seasons with Florida and his last two with Carolina. Reimer’s career mark is 173-131-43. His career GAA comes in at 2.76 and save percentage is at .914. Also joining the team is Adin Hill. Before coming to the Sharks this season, Hill spent his first four years in the NHL as the backup for Arizona.
San Jose Sharks Preview 2021 – Final Word
It is rebuild time in San Jose. However, until there’s a genuine commitment to upgrading this team, head coach Bob Boughner will have to deal with some plain facts. The Sharks lack big-time scoring potential. Plus, their defense is porous. Our San Jose Sharks preview 2021 - 22 notes that Boughner is in his fifth year as an NHL head coach. In those four seasons, two with Florida and two with San Jose, he posted a 115-110-32 record and presently has a nonexistent playoff record. We doubt Boughner will get to the playoffs anytime soon.
NHL Pacific Division - San Jose Sharks Projection 2021
Finish: 8th
No Playoff Appearance