San Jose Sharks open up about their biggest problems (it’s not just the offense)

San Jose Sharks coach David Quinn: “I don’t think guys trust each other yet.”

The San Jose Sharks had the worst offense in the NHL through the first two weeks of the regular season. In fact, I still do.

However, if the Sharks are to beat the Carolina Hurricanes today and end their season-opening seven-game losing streak, they must reduce the number of high-danger chances against, which should help prevent so many pucks from going into their own net.

Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood covered up a lot of Sharks mistakes in his first four starts this month, but that dam burst on Thursday, and the Sharks’ defensive flaws were exposed for all to see in a 6-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena.

Five of the Sharks’ six goals came at even strength, and according to Natural Stat Trick, San Jose gave up 17 high-danger chances while creating only five.

The Sharks have now allowed 18 goals in seven games this season during 5-on-5 play, which is tied for the third-worst per-game average in the NHL.

It’s an issue the Sharks faced last season but never fully resolved, as they allowed 220 goals in 82 games during 5-on-5 play, ranking third in the league.

Of course, winning with the Sharks (0-6-1) averaging 1.14 goals per game is nearly impossible. However, if good defense leads to offense, the Sharks may be able to escape this situation.

Perhaps it is the only way.

“It’s too much up and down right now,” Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro said. “Some nights we’re physical and compete hard enough, and other nights we take our foot off the gas, and it’s just not good enough.”

“Perhaps we’re focusing too much on what we have to do offensively and how to create, and I think we should focus on the little things: competing, being good teammates, and working hard every night.” We can’t worry about scoring until we’re consistent with that.”

San Jose was too slow to pucks and often too late to react against the Lightning. Tampa Bay won races all over the ice and moved the puck with frightening efficiency through a shaky Sharks defense.

One could argue that it’s the players, and that the overall lack of speed and anticipation is a fundamental flaw in the roster.

But it could go much deeper than that. Perhaps there is a current lack of trust.

“I definitely think there’s hesitation,” Sharks coach David Quinn said. “I don’t believe the guys trust each other yet.” Guys are hesitant to do what they’re supposed to do because they’re worried about whether the other guy will do what he’s supposed to do. When this occurs, you will experience hesitation.”

“We need to come together,” said Sharks defenseman Jan Rutta. “I think there’s too much second-guessing, and it translates to our game.”

Rutta’s point is clear from Thursday’s game. The Lightning play fast not because they have the league’s fastest skaters, but because they anticipate where each other will be and move the puck accordingly. It’s a team that’s been together for a while, and it shows.

The Sharks are unable to establish a rhythm because they appear to be constantly chasing the game. They want to play an aggressive style, but when they have the puck, there is no predictability.

When they do not have possession, they must be better positioned to defend.

“We’re not the biggest team but we’ve got to start finishing more checks,” Ferraro said in an interview. “That was a big focus, especially against all of these talented teams.” They move quickly, and it’s the only way we’ll be able to slow them down. Tonight showed what happens when we stick-check too much and don’t play physical.”

“We have to be way more on our toes,” Quinn said. “They made too many plays when they got the puck.” Instead of arriving when the puck arrived, a guy would get it and then we’d arrive.

“You have no chance when you allow that much time and space.” People will look at the zero and the fact that we didn’t generate much offense again, but when you’re hanging on for dear life and finally get the puck out of your zone, you have to change and you’re not able to sustain any transition or zone time.”

The question now is whether or not this group of Sharks skaters can fix it.

“Absolutely,” Quinn replied. “I know that we can play a hell of a lot better than we did tonight.”