Shocking stats from Sharks’ historic back-to-back blowout losses

Shocking stats from Sharks’ historic back-to-back blowout losses originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The San Jose Sharks made NHL history on Saturday night at SAP Center, but unfortunately, it was not the kind of history they wanted to make. The Sharks suffered a devastating 10-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, marking their 11th straight loss to start the season. This defeat followed a humiliating 10-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks just two days earlier.

This back-to-back blowout has catapulted the Sharks into elite company, but in the worst possible way. They are only the fourth team in NHL history to allow at least 10 goals in consecutive games, the first one being the Boston Bruins back in 1965. The ’65 Bruins experienced a similar embarrassment, losing 10-2 to the Detroit Red Wings and 10-1 to the Chicago Blackhawks within a three-day span.

San Jose began the game trailing 2-0, and hopes were still alive after the first period. However, the second period turned into a complete nightmare as Pittsburgh scored an astounding five goals, followed by three more in the third period. The return of former Sharks player Erik Karlsson turned the game into a mockery.

Sharks coach David Quinn expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance after the loss, stating, “I thought the first period was promising. However, something changed, and we became a different team. That’s what ultimately cost us the game. While the opponent continued to play consistently, we faltered and gave up the third goal. It’s apparent that we are a fragile group.”

As if the loss wasn’t enough, the Sharks’ goal differential this season (-42) has now become the worst in NHL history for the first 11 games. To put it into perspective, their goal differential in just the last three days (-17) would rank last among all NHL teams this season. The team’s current record of 0-10-1 stands as the second-worst start in league history, only surpassing the 1943-44 New York Rangers’ 0-11-0 start.

Mikael Granlund, a forward for the Sharks, was asked about his experience throughout his 12-year NHL career and whether he has ever encountered anything like this. His response was a resounding “No.”

“There’s no secret solution to our problems,” Granlund admitted. “All we can do is show up for the upcoming games and strive to improve. This is our reality at the moment.”

The Sharks will have a chance at redemption when they face the Philadelphia Flyers at SAP Center on Tuesday.