Season Long Problems & Opportunities to Impress
The San Jose Sharks have struggled in some very specific ways all season, and with just a few games remaining it's time for some players to make an impact.
Welcome to the THW San Jose Sharks Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Sharks writers.
In today’s edition, we discuss problems that have been present all season, Joe Thornton, the best/worst performers & more!
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Now on to the good stuff…
Sharks Still Suffering From Same Early-Season Problems
March 28, 2024 by Alex Hutton
In terms of the playoffs or even meaningful late-season games, 2023-24 was always going to be a lost season for the San Jose Sharks. But they still had hope for positive takeaways, particularly if they showed progress over the course of it. And while they have had stretches of improvement, their recent slide has taken the team in the wrong direction.
They have lost 17 of their last 18 games, including just three non-regulation losses. They’re not quite at the same level of incompetence as their embarrassing 11-game losing streak to open the season, but they’re not far off from it — and the two skids, unfortunately, have a number of elements in common. As a team, they’re currently displaying some of their worst habits, and that’s not a good sign for what comes next.
3 Up 3 Down: Recent Additions Playing Well, Veterans Struggling
March 27, 2024 by William Espy (Substack Premium)
The San Jose Sharks have had some difficult games lately and some players have certainly struggled. There are a few who have been playing at a high level despite the lack of team success though, so let’s dive into the overperformers and the underperformers we’ve seen over the past couple of weeks.
7 Cool Things About Jumbo Joe Thornton
March 26, 2024 by The Old Prof
Joe Thornton, who is often affectionately referred to as “Jumbo,” is one of the NHL’s most iconic figures. Over his three-decade career, he was renowned for his exceptional skill, leadership, and enduring passion for the game. Throughout his long NHL tenure, Thornton etched his name into hockey history with remarkable achievements and contributions.
3 Sharks Who Would Benefit From a Strong End to the Season
March 26, 2024 by William Espy
The San Jose Sharks only have 12 games remaining, and although they’ve mathematically been eliminated from the playoffs for a while, games still matter. Players who have struggled this season or have found themselves in a slump over the past few weeks must take advantage of these games and find a way to bounce back, either to better their chances at a bigger role next season or earn a contract somewhere in the NHL. Here are three Sharks, in particular, who need to end the season strong.
Sharks Buying Out Marc-Edouard Vlasic Would Be Unnecessary
March 22, 2024 by William Espy
The San Jose Sharks’ rebuild is in full swing and part of that has included many veterans who have moved on to new organizations. Tomas Hertl, Erik Karlsson, and Brent Burns are all names that have been traded during the Mike Grier era in San Jose. While Grier has yet to make a major buyout as general manager (GM) of the team, the only player who’s had that fate has been Rudolfs Balcers, one name consistently pops up in rumors, Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The veteran has spent parts of 18 seasons with the team, and at one point was one of the most effective shutdown defensemen in the NHL.