Sharks Stave Off Slump, but Can't Conquer Avalanche in Lopsided Loss.
Despite a promising stretch of individual performances, the San Jose Sharks' fortunes took a nosedive on Wednesday night as they faced off against the Colorado Avalanche. The 6-0 drubbing serves as a harsh reminder that there's always room for improvement for the team.
While second-year center Macklin Celebrini and rookie goalie Yarsolav Askarov continue to shine, it's their ability to bounce back from a bad game that's become a crucial aspect of the Sharks' recent success. However, this week's blowout loss has put them in the unenviable position of trying to correct past mistakes before facing off against the Vancouver Canucks on Friday.
The team's struggles with compete and physicality, mental errors, and defensive breakdowns are all too familiar, and it remains to be seen if they can learn from their mistakes. In recent weeks, however, the Sharks have responded well to adversity, winning six out of seven games following their last losing streak.
"We can't dwell on the past," said forward Adam Gaudette Thursday. "If you have an off night, the most important thing is the response the next game. You can't let those losses stack up."
Their coach, Ryan Warsofsky, agrees that growth and development are key to overcoming setbacks. While it's not a perfect solution, Warsofsky believes in the team's potential, even if it takes time.
"Sometimes you take a step forward, and a few games later, you take a little bit of a step back," he said. "We've got to challenge that and try to teach through that, demand more, and have an understanding of what it looks like when we have success."
The Sharks' recent struggles are in stark contrast to their performance last season, where they faced extended losing streaks and responded to losses with wins only 13 times.
This season, the team has managed to stay near the playoff cutline despite a slow start, but with the latest loss, it's essential that they learn from their mistakes. With two points back of the second wild card spot in the Western Conference, every game matters.
As for the upcoming match against the Canucks on Friday, the Sharks will be looking to bounce back and regain their form. Despite having a maintenance day on Thursday, leading scorer Macklin Celebrini is expected to play. Forwards Jeff Skinner and Michael Misa, who have been out with lower-body injuries, are making progress and could potentially join the team for their next scheduled practice.
"We're rolling with 12 forwards, and it's been a challenge to get through it, but it is what it is," Warsofsky said. "We miss Skinner on the power play, and he can obviously create some offense."
The Sharks will face another challenge in Las Vegas on Saturday against the Golden Knights. With their next game just around the corner, it's crucial that they regroup and refocus to ensure a successful outcome.
"I think our group has responded pretty well for the most part this year," Warsofsky said. "There's just a better product on ice, and a bigger belief that we're a good team in here."
When you start believing that, losses don't mean as much. A loss is a loss, but good teams learn how to move on. The Sharks will need to do just that if they hope to bounce back from this blowout loss and regain their footing in the NHL standings.
Despite a promising stretch of individual performances, the San Jose Sharks' fortunes took a nosedive on Wednesday night as they faced off against the Colorado Avalanche. The 6-0 drubbing serves as a harsh reminder that there's always room for improvement for the team.
While second-year center Macklin Celebrini and rookie goalie Yarsolav Askarov continue to shine, it's their ability to bounce back from a bad game that's become a crucial aspect of the Sharks' recent success. However, this week's blowout loss has put them in the unenviable position of trying to correct past mistakes before facing off against the Vancouver Canucks on Friday.
The team's struggles with compete and physicality, mental errors, and defensive breakdowns are all too familiar, and it remains to be seen if they can learn from their mistakes. In recent weeks, however, the Sharks have responded well to adversity, winning six out of seven games following their last losing streak.
"We can't dwell on the past," said forward Adam Gaudette Thursday. "If you have an off night, the most important thing is the response the next game. You can't let those losses stack up."
Their coach, Ryan Warsofsky, agrees that growth and development are key to overcoming setbacks. While it's not a perfect solution, Warsofsky believes in the team's potential, even if it takes time.
"Sometimes you take a step forward, and a few games later, you take a little bit of a step back," he said. "We've got to challenge that and try to teach through that, demand more, and have an understanding of what it looks like when we have success."
The Sharks' recent struggles are in stark contrast to their performance last season, where they faced extended losing streaks and responded to losses with wins only 13 times.
This season, the team has managed to stay near the playoff cutline despite a slow start, but with the latest loss, it's essential that they learn from their mistakes. With two points back of the second wild card spot in the Western Conference, every game matters.
As for the upcoming match against the Canucks on Friday, the Sharks will be looking to bounce back and regain their form. Despite having a maintenance day on Thursday, leading scorer Macklin Celebrini is expected to play. Forwards Jeff Skinner and Michael Misa, who have been out with lower-body injuries, are making progress and could potentially join the team for their next scheduled practice.
"We're rolling with 12 forwards, and it's been a challenge to get through it, but it is what it is," Warsofsky said. "We miss Skinner on the power play, and he can obviously create some offense."
The Sharks will face another challenge in Las Vegas on Saturday against the Golden Knights. With their next game just around the corner, it's crucial that they regroup and refocus to ensure a successful outcome.
"I think our group has responded pretty well for the most part this year," Warsofsky said. "There's just a better product on ice, and a bigger belief that we're a good team in here."
When you start believing that, losses don't mean as much. A loss is a loss, but good teams learn how to move on. The Sharks will need to do just that if they hope to bounce back from this blowout loss and regain their footing in the NHL standings.