Expectations for the 2023–24 Sharks were modest this preseason. San Jose went 22-44-16 last season, recording the team’s worst record by point percentage since going 20-55-7 in 1996. Coach David Quinn’s squad appeared firmly in rebuilding mode.
However, it seems safe to say that even the most pessimistic fans didn’t see this coming.
The Sharks allowed 10 goals to the Penguins in an eight-goal defeat Saturday night at home—a development that would be less alarming if San Jose had not allowed 10 goals to the Canucks on Thursday in a nine-goal loss in its previous game.