One for the Ages

59-shot shutout joins list of dubious Sharks records

1/31/14 - By Paul Krill -

Well, how about that? The Sharks are on the short end of a new league record for the most shots taken without scoring in a game - 59 shots against Edmonton, achieved on Wednesday, January 29. It's yet another instance of the Sharks running into a hot goalie (Ben Scrivens in this case). This happened against the Islanders not too long ago and it seems to happen quite a lot to the Sharks.



But of course I don't track the other teams as closely so I don't know if the Sharks fare any worse than other teams in this category.



The shutout by the bottom-feeder Oilers joins the list of other illustrious spots the Sharks have in the league record book. Other Sharks records include:



Longest losing streak (17 games) - 1992-93 season, tied with 1974-75 Washington Capitals.



Most losses in a season (71) - 1992-93 season.



Worst Western Conference Finals record (0-3 in series, 3-12 in games).



Fewest Stanley Cup Finals appearances (0, tied with several other teams).



Fewest Stanley Cup titles (0, tied with several other teams).



The Sharks had been fine running without injured Logan Couture, rolling off six consecutive wins. But amongst that were some scoring problems evident. They only beat Winnipeg 1-0 and had to crawl back from a 2-0 deficit to win in overtime against the Wild, 3-2, with both games at home.



Then, it was back-to-back shutouts at the hands of the Kings and Oilers. Goals are becoming hard to come by for the Sharks. As I write this, the Sharks have a chance to redeem themselves in Calgary this evening. Or, they have a chance to make things even worse.



I'm sorry to be so negative, but as I look at how the league is shaking out prior to the Olympics, I'm seeing the Sharks again shaping up as a runner-up, but not a winner, in the conference. The Anaheim Ducks, the LA Kings and the Chicago Blackhawks all have to be on anybody's list of teams most likely to take the Western Conference ahead of the Sharks. Again.



Perhaps the upcoming, long Olympic layoff will take the steam out of the sails of teams like the Ducks while the Sharks benefit. But who can count on that? If I had to make my prediction now, I'd say it is looking like another runner-up year for the Sharks.







Contact Paul at at paulkrill@letsgosharks.com









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