The Sharks have finally lost a preseason game.
We all knew this was a possibility. You can’t win every game and it was bound to happen eventually.
The weaknesses in a young defense broke last night. Joakim Ryan and Tim Heed, who are still battling it out for the seventh defender position both had an off night. Without a lot of veteran presence up front, the offense didn’t quite come together, either. The Sharks finished the game failing to score and allowing three goals.
So not very good. Could’ve been worse.
The Barracuda, for example, got smoked 6-0 in Bakersfield in their first preseason game last night. They failed to capitalize on five power play opportunities and were outshot 32-17.
But we’re not panicking!
The fact is, it’s still the preseason. Line combinations are still getting figured out, both teams are incomplete – it’s natural that the Barracuda are going to suffer from losing their top players to the open roster spots on the Sharks, especially in losing Heed or Ryan.
The Sharks iced a very young group and a weaker group of veterans. This is a worst case scenario team and they still held the Ducks off until the third period. Likewise, the Barracuda were unable to put out their best line up and it showed.
When things are right for this team, they’re right. Last night proved that when they aren’t, they really aren’t.
With two preseason games to go for the Sharks, better veteran options, and a 3-1 record…we’re really not worried.
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