The San Jose Sharks remain the last unbeaten team in the NHL after defeating the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday 3-2 in a shootout. The Sharks are officially 7-0 to start the season. With a shortened schedule, their perfect start bodes well for their playoff chances.
San Jose cruised in their first five victories. They became the first NHL team to win its first five games by at least two goals, beating strong teams like Anaheim and Vancouver in dominating fashion. They have scored first in six of their last seven games, helping them gain the quick lead and advantage on teams.
In their last two games, the Sharks have proved to be able to win when the score is close, winning their last two matchups in close shootouts. The secret to their success relies on having versatile scorers and putting a large lead on their opponents.
The Sharks have three top scorers on their team that have combined for 15 goals and 24 assists between them. Joes Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski have combined for five even-strength goals which is a league high. Having three versatile players paired with the emerging Logan Couture, the Sharks appear to be unstoppable. They have also been able to garner a lot of points through assists and blocked shots. Four Sharks' players are already in double-digits in points in only seven games.
Early in last night's game against Edmonton, San Jose looked like their unbeaten streak might come to an end. The team went the entire first period without a goal, scored two in the second, but then went scoreless again in the third and in overtime. But, in the shootout, Michal Handzus showed once again why he is clutch in pressure situations. Handzus is 18 for 34 in his career in shootouts and 7-12 during his time in San Jose. Head coach Todd McLellan said there was no doubt that he would send Handzus out first again for a shootout in the future.
With the shortened schedule, the San Jose Sharks understand the importance of a fast start this season. One loss can set a team's playoff chances back. The Sharks are normally a lock for the playoffs, but this year it can truly be anyone's game.
"The schedule is so compact, it's a short season. The more you can bank points the better off you are," McLellan said after Thursday's victory.
The upcoming schedule for the Sharks will certainly deliver challenges for the team to stay unbeaten. They have a stretch of conference opponents, facing Nashville, Chicago and Anaheim in their next three games. McLellan has been downplaying the fact that his team is the only unbeaten left in the NHL, but he believes if they can continue to score a high amount of goals and all-around shots each game, their chances of having a great run are pretty high.
