How Sharks’ fifth consecutive loss vs. Flames impacts their NHL playoff hopes originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Editor’s note: Sheng Peng is a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
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“It’s not dark yet, but it’s getting there,” as the Bob Dylan song goes.
The San Jose Sharks, on a four-game losing streak, came out of the Olympic break on Thursday, believing the three weeks off would spark their flickering playoff hopes.
And through two periods, that seemed to be the case, as a more energetic Sharks squad was all over the Calgary Flames. Per Natural Stat Trick, San Jose was dominating 5-on-5 shot attempt share, 39-20, and high-danger chances, 9-4.
But the Sharks, stymied by Dustin Wolf, went into the final frame tied at one apiece.
This is where playoff teams take over. And this is where the San Jose Sharks’ many flaws were exposed.
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An early third-period Connor Zary strike, off what head coach Ryan Warsofsky called a “terrible” Will Smith line change, highlighted one flaw, the skilled Sharks’ relative inexperience.
This line change appeared to have some part in Warsofsky sitting the 21-year-old point-per-game scorer during a late 6-on-5, when San Jose was down.
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