San Jose plays in Minnesota on Tuesday night with a shot at winning its franchise-best 28th road game. You can debate the actual quality of play in those 28 road games (San Jose has better possession numbers at home) but you can’t argue with the results. Let’s take a look at the five best road wins for the Sharks this season.
5. Oct. 13, 2015: Sharks 5, Capitals 0
It took a while for the Sharks to get into this game, and truthfully didn’t play all that well against the eventual Presidents’ Trophy winners. Still, a great third period (which became a pattern) lifted San Jose past Washington.
4. Feb. 9, 2016: Sharks 2, Blackhawks 0
In truth, the Sharks were lucky to escape Chicago with two points as the Blackhawks’ first goal was waved off for goaltender interference. From there San Jose had the better of the play and Patrick Marleau’s power-play goal stood up as the game-winner. Also: Joe Thornton scored an empty netter from his own blue line. Dope.
3. Feb. 18, 2016: Sharks 2, Panthers 1 (SO)
The Sharks poured on the pressure against the Florida Panthers, but Al Montoya kept San Jose off the board until midway through the third period. Logan Couture had the only goal for San Jose in regulation and Joe Pavelski netted the game-winner in the shootout while Martin Jones made a pair of saves.
2. Feb. 4, 2016: Sharks 6, Blues 3
In a game eerily similar to the one Dan Boyle was nearly murdered in, the Sharks took advantage of poor discipline by the Blues by inflicting pain on the power play. This was a great, resilient win for the Sharks.
1. Oct. 7, 2015: Sharks 5, Kings 1
Some times the early wins are the best. The Kings scored on their first shot against Martin Jones but were held off the scoreboard the rest of the way as San Jose absolutely dominated Los Angeles in the season opener. This win set the tone for a strong first season behind the bench for Peter DeBoer and for Jones in net.
What do you have for your top five?
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