The San Jose Sharks are experiencing a rough start to their NHL season, stumbling towards an unwanted record with their 11th consecutive loss. Despite making numerous lineup changes, shuffling players, and experimenting with different strategies, the Sharks have failed to secure a single victory. In fact, their situation has only worsened over time.
In their recent game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Sharks allowed two goals in the first period and completely fell apart, resulting in a devastating 10-2 loss. This defeat pushes them closer to tying an NHL record for the most consecutive losses to start a season. The team currently holds a dismal 0-10-1 record, becoming just the fourth team in NHL history to lose their first 11 games and the third since the shootout era began in 2005.
The New York Rangers in the 1943-44 season previously held the record by losing 11 straight games in regulation time. The Arizona Coyotes also share this unfortunate distinction after their performances in both 2017 and 2021. The Sharks’ recent blowout losses to the Vancouver Canucks (10-1) and the Pittsburgh Penguins have resulted in a staggering goal differential of 55-12 this season.
To make matters worse, the Sharks now find themselves in the history books as the fourth NHL team to allow 10 or more goals in consecutive games. The last time this occurred was in December 1965 when the Boston Bruins were defeated 10-2 by Detroit and 10-1 by Chicago.
The Sharks’ upcoming game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday provides them with an opportunity to avoid setting a new NHL record. The Flyers currently hold a 5-6-1 record after their loss to the Los Angeles Kings. It is now crucial for the Sharks to regroup and bring their best performance to the ice.
The team management, coaching staff, and players are undoubtedly feeling the pressure as they strive to end this losing streak and salvage their season. It will require a collective effort to turn things around and regain their confidence. Only time will tell if the Sharks can break free from this disheartening slump and start notching wins in their column once again.
