Opinion
3 min read

Sharks Set to Navigate the Wild Waters at Xcel Energy Center

The San Jose Sharks are gearing up for what promises to be a challenging encounter against the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center. Coming off a string of tough games, including their recent clash on March 18 against the Chicago Blackhawks where they were outscored 5-2 despite a strong start, the Sharks have been treading water in terms of performance.


Mar 3, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) celebrates his second goal of the game against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

In that game, San Jose managed to put up an impressive 27 shots on goal but struggled defensively, with a minus-16 plus/minus rating and only winning 45 percent of faceoffs. Their powerplay opportunities remained unutilized, failing to convert any chances into goals. The goaltending was also underwhelming; despite saving 26 shots, they let in four goals and had one empty-netter against them.


Similarly, during their March 17 game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, SJ showed potential with an aggressive offense that fired off 41 shots. However, they fell short again with a final score of 4-2 in favor of Columbus. The Sharks' defense was porous; they lost more faceoffs than they won and allowed an empty-net goal that sealed their fate.


Mar 3, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild center Frederick Gaudreau (89) and teammates skate to the bench after scoring against the San Jose Sharks in the second period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier on March 14 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, SJ displayed some offensive prowess by scoring three times from just 32 shots but ultimately succumbed to Pittsburgh's attack in a high-scoring affair that ended with a scoreline of 6-3.


As we look ahead to their next game against MIN at Xcel Energy Center on March 29th at midnight UTC (7:00 PM CT), it's clear that if San Jose wants any chance at victory, there needs to be significant improvements both offensively and defensively. They'll need tighter defense around their netminder who has been facing too many high-quality shots and better execution on special teams if presented with powerplay opportunities.


Mar 3, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild center Mason Shaw (15) chases a loose puck against the San Jose Sharks in the second period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Wild will not make it easy for them as they play host this time around. With home advantage and likely buoyed by SJ's recent form or lack thereof – it will take more than just determination for the Sharks to come out on top.


Fans hoping for an upset can catch all the action live as it unfolds over various networks including ESPN+ online or NBCS-CA and BSN on TV when these two teams clash once again under St. Paul's bright lights.

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