Sharks not worried about eight-game gauntlet to open 2023-24 NHL season

Sharks not worried about eight-game gauntlet to open 2023-24 NHL season

The San Jose Sharks are bracing themselves for the toughest start to a season they have ever faced. With a series of challenging matchups, the Sharks embark on their 32nd NHL campaign against the powerful Vegas Golden Knights at SAP Center.

This grueling opening stretch consists of an eight-game gauntlet that tests San Jose’s mettle. Following the matchup with the defending champions, the Sharks will face the 2022 Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche, the 2023 Eastern Conference finalists Carolina Hurricanes, the 2023 President’s Trophy winners Boston Bruins, the formidable Nashville Predators, the 2023 Stanley Cup finalists Florida Panthers, the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Carolina Hurricanes once again.

It’s worth noting that seven out of these eight opponents were playoff contenders in the previous season, with the Nashville Predators narrowly missing the postseason by just three points. Additionally, four of these matchups will be against teams that reached the Conference finals last year.

Despite the challenging schedule, Sharks coach David Quinn remains unfazed. He emphasizes the importance of embracing these tough challenges rather than shying away from them. According to Quinn, worrying about the opponents or wishing for an easier schedule is counterproductive.