Sharks vs. Devils Preview: San Jose looking to end losing streak as homestand begins

The Sharks went 3-2-1 on their road trip and return to SAP Center for five games in a row. First up is a meeting with Pete DeBoer’s old team: the New Jersey Devils. My tip for all games involving the New Jersey franchise: DVR it and play it right before bed. You won’t even make it to your actual bed because you’ll be asleep on the couch before you know it.

Style of play aside, the Devils just aren’t very good this year. Their possession numbers are fine at best and New Jersey has found no success in special teams thus far. This is a game the Sharks should win, even without Tomas Hertl in the lineup.

On the injury front, we might see the return of Melker Karlsson tonight. That would be a boon for a team whose depth has taken a major hit with the injuries to both he and Hertl in the past week. I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Sharks call up someone, too, whether that’s Barclay Goodrow, Nikolay Goldobin, Timo Meier or Ryan Carpenter.

There’s a lot of uncertainty around the Sharks right now, most of it stemming from the nature of Hertl’s injury. We still don’t know much of anything other than we think it involves his right knee. If Hertl is out longterm, the Sharks will have some very difficult choices to make.

For now, you have one difficult choice to make: Do you really want to spend your Monday night watching the Devils play hockey? Sure you do. Come hang out. We’ll have fun, I promise.