Opinion
3 min read

Sharks Circle Prey: San Jose to Host Arizona Coyotes in Home Ice Encounter

As the San Jose Sharks prepare to welcome the Arizona Coyotes to the SAP Center at San Jose, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an intriguing matchup. The Sharks have shown a Jekyll and Hyde performance in their recent outings, and this game provides an opportunity for them to assert their dominance on home ice.


Dec 21, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (29) watches the puck during the first period against the Arizona Coyotes at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

In their last game against the St. Louis Blues on March 31st, the Sharks displayed a masterclass in both offense and defense, shutting out their opponents with a convincing 4-0 victory. The team's shooting percentage was an impressive 20 percent as they managed to net four goals from just 20 shots. Moreover, they were relentless on defense with goaltender brilliance that saw them save all 35 shots against them.


However, consistency has been elusive for SJ this season. Just two days prior against the Minnesota Wild, they fell short in a tight contest where they only managed one goal from 27 shots while conceding three times despite making 29 saves. This inconsistency is something that Coach Bob Boughner will need to address if his team is going to make any significant impact come playoff time.


Dec 21, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Jason Zucker (16) and center Liam O'Brien (38) assist center Logan Cooley (92) back up after colliding into the wall during the third period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

The powerplay unit of SJ has also been under scrutiny; although successful against Dallas Stars by scoring once during their opportunities on March 27th, it failed to convert any chances during both games against St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild.


The upcoming game presents another chance for redemption as they face off against ARI who have had struggles of their own but cannot be underestimated at any cost.


Dec 21, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Jason Zucker (16) and center Liam O'Brien (38) assist center Logan Cooley (92) back up after colliding into the wall during the third period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Looking ahead at what could unfold when these two teams clash – it’s clear that if San Jose can replicate the form shown in dismantling St. Louis Blues rather than succumbing as they did versus Minnesota Wild or Dallas Stars (where they lost despite scoring three goals), then fans can expect an exciting display of hockey prowess from SJ.


With home advantage and coming off a shutout win, confidence should be high within the Sharks' camp; however, complacency must not creep in as ARI will look for every opportunity to exploit any weaknesses shown by SJ's lineup.


The scheduled date for this encounter is April 7th at SAP Center at San Jose where puck drop is set for 3:00 PM PDT. Fans eager not to miss a second of action can tune into ESPN+ or NBCS-CA or even catch streaming options via SCRIPPS networks online platforms – ensuring multiple ways to support your team through every hit, shot and save!

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