The San Jose Sharks recently wrapped up a six-game homestand at the SAP Center.
Here are three takeaways from the Sharks’ lengthy homestand.
1. Jannik Hansen’s underrated performance
Just one week after joining the Sharks, Hansen has fit in seamlessly with his new team.
In Sunday’s game against the Stars, Hansen contributed towards the go-ahead goal as he streaked down the left side to create a two-on-one rush. Joe Pavelski then kept the puck down the right and scored on a wrist shot to the far side.
In addition, Hansen recorded four hits, two takeaways, and a penalty along with a plus-two rating in 13:21 of ice time Sunday.
2. Joe Pavelski steps up to the plate
It’s clear Pavelski is the Sharks captain, but he has stepped up to the plate lately.
After the Sharks’ lopsided loss to the Predators 3-1 on Saturday afternoon, Pavelski scored two goals against the Stars Sunday night. Pavelski had another two-goal performance against the Sabres Tuesday night.
He has 28 goals, 35 assists along with a plus-13 rating and 28 penalty minutes in 70 games so far this season.
3. Turnovers cost the Sharks
The Sharks looked disjointed in Thursday’s game against the Blues. Scottie Upshall capitalized on a turnover by Brent Burns in the neutral zone and scored an unassisted goal from the right circle for his eighth of the season.
“You want to get on them early,” Upshall told NHL.com correspondent Eric Gilmore. “You want to show them you’re here to play and you have your legs.”
Vladimir Tarasenko and the Blues stymied the Sharks, whose desperation level wasn’t high enough Thursday night. The Blues came out hard, were very desperate and went on to sweep the season series against the Sharks with a 4-1 victory.
A turnover cost the Sharks as a puck went into their own net in Saturday’s game against the Ducks. Jakob Silfverberg scored an unassisted goal for his 20th of the season.
Turnovers cost the Sharks. They can’t afford to make any mistakes on their end if they want to play and win a complete, 60-minute game.
Prediction
Sharks split the four-game road trip, finishing with a 1-1 record against the Stars, a win against the Predators and a loss to the Wild.
