The San Jose Sharks have played their third game of the season already. Tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes was their official home opener after facing the Nashville Predators twice in Prague and losing both games.
Loss number three came tonight and there was not much positive to say about their performance except for goalie James Reimer, yet even he was fortunate that only two goals were allowed. As expected the Sharks defense was atrocious, its power play was awful, and there were countless mistakes on both ends of the ice.
Still what really stood out tonight though was how invisible the offense was. In fact the Sharks are fortunate not to have been shutout. The lone goal and the 1-0 lead was an absolute fluke.
As for expectations from Sharks fans for the season. There really are not any. When it comes to new general manager Mike Grier, he needs to admit to himself that this is a rebuild. So when the trade deadline nears, it means parting ways with a number of fan favorites including Logan Couture, Tomas Hertl, Kevin LaBanc, and Timo Meier.
Also, if a team is willing to take defensemen Erik Karlsson that makes it even better. If Reimer is able to keep the Sharks in game a playoff team that needs goalie help might pick up the phone as well.
Unfortunately for Grier though he inherited quite the mess from previous general manager Doug Wilson. Acquiring young talent and having a vision for the franchise’s future at this point is all that he can do.
Furthermore, the Sharks are a great example of what happens when key players are kept for far too long. Then again that might have been moot if Wilson drafted better and acclimated younger players with the veterans on the roster.
Yet now the Sharks are easily the worst team in the National Hockey League. So it is only a matter of time before necessary changes to the roster get made.