The San Jose Sharks are trying to find the spark to ignite a playoff run. They are drawing inspiration from the Columbus Blue Jackets, who they recently beat 3-2. This victory ended a six-game losing streak for San Jose.
The Sharks are currently four points behind the Nashville Predators for the last wild card spot in the West. They do have two games in hand, but also four teams to leapfrog.
Warsofsky on Replicating Success
Head coach Ryan Warsofsky spoke about the Blue Jackets’ turnaround and how the Sharks could replicate it. He highlighted the importance of buy-in, noting that the Blue Jackets have achieved it from their entire group. Warsofsky believes that buy-in is a crucial part of a coach’s job, but also acknowledged its link to results. “It comes with results, right? You start winning some hockey games,” Warsofsky said.
Warsofsky referenced the Sharks’ 13-7-0 stretch from Dec. 11 to Jan. 27. He said that the team had “a little bit of that when we were winning games there, before the Deadline.”
The Search for a Spark
Warsofsky quoted Bruce Springsteen, saying, “You can’t start a fire without a spark”. He suggested that a big win or a winning streak could provide that spark. He added, “You get more buy-in organically through the dressing room.”
For the San Jose Sharks, that spark was clearly the miracle 6-5 OT comeback at the Pittsburgh Penguins on Dec. 13.
Warsofsky admitted the team’s confidence is affected by losses. “And then when you lose a couple games, you fight that confidence.” The Sharks were outscored 28-11 during the first five games of their recent six-game losing streak.
Adjusting the Game Plan
Igor Chernyshov’s last-minute game-winner could be that spark the team needs. The Sharks have played two of their better games this season. This includes the 2-1 OT loss at the St. Louis Blues, followed by their recent triumph.
Warsofsky elaborated post-game on the team’s adjustments. “The last two games, we’ve played a little bit more of a direct hockey game, more north, quicker puck play, but going north quicker.”
The Sharks are heading home to SAP Center, where they will play seven of their last 11 games to end the season. They have a 17-12-5 record in San Jose this year.
According to one reporter, that was the San Jose Sharks’ first lead since 1-0 in the first period against the Edmonton Oilers on Mar. 17, a total of 353:32.
“Your confidence is going, you get the energy in the bu