SAN JOSE – The Sharks like their newly renovated practice facility so much they’ve decided to spend a little more time there over the next several months.
In what is partially an effort to turn their home record around, head coach Pete DeBoer has decided to hold all game day morning skates at the practice facility – significantly upgraded over the summer – rather than SAP Center. It’s not a revolutionary move, as several NHL teams do the same, but it’s a break from tradition for the club.
DeBoer has hinted at changes in the Sharks home routine due to an NHL-worst 4-9-0 mark in their own building. They play 11 of their next 14 at SAP Center, including a five-game homestand that starts on Monday with Colorado.
“A little bit of change won’t hurt. At the same time, it’s common sense, too,” DeBoer said. “We’ve got this great facility here. The second half of the year I anticipate probably more optional [skates] and less actual skates. This is just the best venue for us to work out of: training, rehab, off-ice conditioning, everything.”
Martin Jones said: “I think just the biggest thing is the facilities we have here are brand new, and everything we have here is really nice -- the gym, and stuff for the morning stretch and things like that. Other than that, nothing really changes.”
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Still, DeBoer admitted that the switch has a psychological component. San Jose desperately needs to find more success at home, and is only in a playoff spot now due to its NHL-best 13-6-2 mark on the road.
The issue dates back to last season, when the Sharks lost more games than they won at home (19-17-5) and missed the playoffs. They haven’t been able to turn things around under DeBoer in front of what has been a dwindling crowd that rarely fills the building anymore.
“It just makes sense with the amount of money we put in this facility and the type of facility it is. The side byproduct is, it is a change, too, which I don’t think can hurt,” DeBoer said.
In Washington, Joel Ward was part of a Capitals team that held it’s morning skates at the practice facility rather than the game rink. The move makes sense, according to the 35-year-old veteran.
“I think it’s just a minor change to give a little spark and see if we can come out with some better results at home,” he said.
“[The practice facility] is a pretty good comfort zone. You’ve got everything here, and a lot of access to the treatment and whatnot. I think it could be a good, positive move. I’m sure it’s going to end up being the story if we have a good game [Monday].”
