The 2016-17 NHL season schedule gave three gifts to the San Jose Sharks quest for a Pacific Division title. One they finished, one they open President’s Day and the
The gift marked “Do Not Open Before Feb. 20” is a five-day bye. That was mandated for every team in the new collective bargaining agreement. The later the better for any bye and no team has one after the Sharks.
However, San Jose’s bigger advantage concerns two of its Pacific Division rivals. Unfortunately, what is good for the team is bad for hockey fans.
Timing is Everything
Specifically, the Sharks are already done playing the Los Angeles Kings.