There may be nothing more like the San Jose Sharks than backing into a playoff position while idle amidst a season-worst five-game losing streak. Tonight, the Sharks (43-23-9, 2nd Pacific) will try the greatest trick they’ve ever pulled when they host the Detroit Red Wings (27-38-10): convincing the world that losing streak didn’t exist.
To do so, they’ll have to overcome their biggest obstacle to postseason glory. During the Sharks’ current slump, the team has taken the vast majority of 5-on-5 shots and created a higher share of scoring chances than their opponents. In that hopeful sign is not the blistering offense that has led the team thus far.