San Jose Sharks script unwanted NHL record, becomes first team in over 58 years to concede 10 goals in two consecutive games

The San Jose Sharks conceded 10 goals in a match for the second consecutive game as they were hammered away by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose Sharks script unwanted NHL record, becomes first team in over 58 years to concede 10 goals in two consecutive games

A snippet of the game involving Mario Ferraro and Vinne Hinostroza (Pic Credit: SF Chronicle)

When it rains, it pours. This is the exact situation for the San Jose Sharks in the NHL this season. It is not uncommon or unheard of for a team to struggle to get wins. Many teams in the history of sports have gone through this run. The Sharks are one of the teams that are going through this struggling phase. Their 10-2 defeat at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins saw them set an unwanted NHL record.

They are now the first team in over 58 years to concede 10 goals in consecutive games. They entered this game with a 10-1 home loss to the Vancouver Canucks. Losing one game with that type of scoreline can happen sometimes. However, losing back-to-back games while conceding 10 goals is a worrying sign for any team.

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This loss also tied another NHL record. This was their 11th successive defeat to start the season. Before this game, they were 0-9-1. Now they are 0-10-1, with one loss coming in overtime. They have tied the 1943 New York Rangers and the 2017 and 2021 Arizona Coyotes to start the season with eleven defeats on the bounce. 

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The whole team has failed to gel together and work. Their defense is leaking goals at an alarming rate. In 1965, the Boston Bruins were the last team to concede 10 goals in consecutive games. Their minus-42 goal differential is the worst for any side in the NHL through the first eleven games of the season.

Sharks coach David Quinn admits the team is not mentally strong enough

When a team goes through a struggling phase, it is their character to deal with that situation and overcome it that defines their character. The losing run the San Jose Sharks have endured could have been to anyone. 

The mentality of the players is what defines the team. Their ability to adapt to tough situations is something that the Sharks lack. Their coach, David Quinn, has also claimed this and admitted the team is a “fragile group” and not mentally strong enough at the moment.

David Quinn
David Quinn (Pic Credit: The Canadian Press)
I liked our first period, and then all of a sudden we became a different team. That's what happened in the game. They kept playing the same way. We give up the third goal and we're a fragile group.
David Quinn through ESPN

The question that is undoubtedly on the minds of many is: how do they turn this around? The team did score two goals in this game. If Quinn and his team are to turn their season around, they will need to strengthen their defense.

They take on the Philadelphia Flyers in their next encounter. The momentum is definitely not on their side. The Sharks need to take the only positives from this game and try for a better performance next time if they are to register their first win of the season.

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