Sharks Defense Still Looking For Chemistry

Whether it is due to injury or lineup decisions, the San Jose Sharks‘ defense has struggled to find chemistry so far.

Defensemen Timothy Liljegren, Shakir Mukhamadullin, and John Klingberg are all dealing with injuries and didn’t play on Friday against the Utah Mammoth.

But for veteran Defenseman Nick Leddy, the blueliners don’t feel too affected due to how much they’ve all played together during training camp.

“It’s always an adjustment when you have a new D partner. We’ve all kind of played with each other throughout training camp,” Leddy said. “I think the biggest thing is communication, on and off the ice. That helps a lot of the problems and things that may be in question.”

For the first time this season, Leddy will play on his off right side and be partnered with Dmitry Orlov. Leddy admits some consistency would help for everyone.

“No doubt, the more you play with someone, the more chemistry you get with them, and the less thinking [is] involved,” Leddy explained. “You know where each other are.”

The San Jose Sharks are the last winless team in the NHL, and Leddy understands what needs to be done in the defensive zone to earn their first win of the season.

“I think for us, and Warso has talked about it too, we got to be better at getting guys up on the glass, stopping their momentum and getting into our swarm. Getting the puck out,” Leddy said. “Then comes quick plays. We got to make those plays, whether D or forwards.”

The Sharks had a strong performance on opening night against the Vegas Golden Knights, but two mistakes from Alex Nedeljkovic undid that. Since then, Team Teal hasn’t had the defensive performances the coaching staff wants. San Jose gave up seven goals to the Anaheim Ducks and five to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky has asked his players for a more competitive effort, and their first chance to show that is against the Utah Mammoth.

For all the coverage on the Sharks this season, read on Hockey Hot Stove and Sharks Hockey Digest.

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