The 17-15-and-1 San Jose Sharks practiced at Little Caesars Arena ahead of tomorrow night’s game against the hometown Detroit Red Wings (who have a 15-15-and-3 record, and have lost 2 straight games). The Mercury News’s Curtis Pashelka reports that the Sharks are still smarting from their 8-5 loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday:
Bob Boughner and the Sharks on Monday sifted through the wreckage of their dreadful start the day before against the Pittsburgh Penguins, going through an uneasy video session before holding a no-nonsense practice at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
“I had a heart-to-heart with the guys,” Boughner said. “It wasn’t a fun meeting. It wasn’t a fun practice. But it was much needed.”
The Sharks (17-15-1) continue their four-game road trip Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings, looking to put the stench of their 8-5 loss to the Penguins on Sunday as far in the rearview mirror as possible. San Jose was outscored 6-1 during a first period in which they couldn’t manage the puck, gave up a host of odd-man rushes, and offered little support to starting goalie James Reimer.
“I saw a lot of black and gold in that first 10 minutes,” Sharks defenseman Jake Middleton said. “They came out really firing.”
Reimer will likely be back in the Sharks’ net Tuesday, but Boughner wasn’t making the same promises about a handful of other players. Notably, Boughner said there could be some lineup changes on defense, and although he didn’t mention anyone by name, it’s fair to speculate where the adjustments might occur.
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The Sharks have allowed 16 even-strength goals in their last four games.
“Anytime you lose like we did, get the play taken to you and certain guys continue just to have very below-average games for 60 minutes – and some other guys responded and improved – we’re looking at everything right now,” Boughner said when asked about the defense. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see some new faces tomorrow.”
