Editor’s note: Sheng Peng is a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
Where do the San Jose Sharks go from here?
Alternate captain Tyler Toffoli shot back, “It’s game three of the season.”
And hey, that’s a fair thing to say. The Sharks are now a perhaps acceptable 0-1-2, after a 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
On the other hand, my question was fair too. Personally, I’m not so concerned with the team’s record, but how they’re playing.
The Sharks, though they almost pulled out the second game of the season, a 7-6 OT loss to the Anaheim Ducks, have been thoroughly dominated at 5-on-5 in the last two contests.
Per Natural Stat Trick, San Jose has a 29.0 Corsi For % at 5-on-5 the last two games. If you’re not familiar with the stat, basically, for every three shot attempts, the Sharks have given up seven.
It’s not a be-all, end-all stat, but consider the Sharks, to a man, will tell you that they haven’t played well the last two contests.
Download and follow the San Jose Hockey Now podcast