This was supposed to be the team that would not be slow out of the gates going into the regular season.
With the off-season additions of Martin Havlat, Michael Handzus and Brent Burns, the San Jose faithful and the Sharks were ready for a strong 2011-2012 season.
So far the opposite has happened. With Anti Niemi out for the first few games and Antero Nittymaki out for the foreseeable future, third string goalie Thomas Greiss was placed into action early this season.
Greiss, who has been a backup for the Sharks over the last few years, has never had to face opponents on a day in day out basis at the NHL level, and was forced to be the everyday keeper for the first four games.
After the 1-3 start the Sharks were not looking so good, but after winning their first two games of the road trip things are starting to look up. “The biggest thing that is hurting the Sharks right now is the scheduling,” said Ryan Covay. “It’s not their offense, the Sharks lead the league in shots on goal per game with 38.”
Martin Havlat did not suit up or play in the first four games. But when Havlat did return he was an instrumental part of their scoring against New Jersey.
While Brent Burns is having a mediocre start to his career with the San Jose franchise, many fans and hockey enthusiasts are looking for answers to why the Sharks are starting off so slow. “They haven’t made a name for themselves this year. No one is scared of the San Jose Sharks in a everyday matchup,” said Ryan Hilton.
The Sharks to me look like a two or three seed in the Western Conference again.Facing the likes of the Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings throughout the season will be the true test of fortitude for the San Jose Sharks.
The Sharks will turn things around, and by April fans and skeptics will have all but forgotten this mumbo jumbo about the Sharks starting off slow. “I’m hopeful things will turn around, they are starting to get their act together,” said Mike Beamen.
Hopeful is the right word for Sharks fans. Rooting for a team that has lost in each of the last two Western Conference Finals has its hardships.
For more information you can read Ryan Covay’s blog at www.thefeedingfrenzy.wordpress.com