That 4-0 start seems like a distant memory for the Sharks. A three-game losing streak tends to do that.
What’s as troubling about the sudden downturn for San Jose is how poorly the Sharks have handled the situation once injuries occurred. For quick review, center Logan Couture is out until at least December, defenseman Paul Martin has missed three straight, rookie top-line winger Joonas Donskoi has been out four games and center Ben Smith the past two.
Since Joel Ward scored his first goal with the Sharks midway through San Jose’s eventual first loss of the season last Saturday against the Islanders, the team has been outscored 12-1 and has hardly resembled the up-tempo, pressure defensive unit that rolled four lines with economical efficiency at the outset.