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San Jose Sharks: Analysis of the team’s 2018-19 defensemen and goalies

By Andrew Bet

SAN JOSE, CA - APRIL 23: San Jose Sharks goalie Martin Jones #31 celebrates with teammates after an overtime win against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Seven of the Western Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on April 23, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - APRIL 23: San Jose Sharks goalie Martin Jones #31 celebrates with teammates after an overtime win against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Seven of the Western Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on April 23, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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San Jose Sharks
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – MAY 21: Martin Jones #31 of the San Jose Sharks makes a save against the St. Louis Blues during the second period in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Enterprise Center on May 21, 2019 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Martin Jones

In net, the goaltending became the highest level of concern as the Sharks entered the playoffs with the lowest save percentage during the regular season. San Jose was easily written in the first round, especially with the way Vegas played down the stretch.

Somehow, a flip got switched, and the Sharks found their way into the conference final.

Sure, Martin Jones didn’t exactly have the best numbers in 2018-19 but he did have one statistic on his side in finishing second in the league with 36 wins. In critical matchups, Jones rose to the occasion delivering great backstopping to propel the Sharks.

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But on most nights, the leaky goals surrendered are ones he undoubtedly would like to have back. Jones does not deserve the blame for the Sharks exiting from the playoffs once again, but as the undisputed starter, he must quickly forget about the past and regain his form.

Aaron Dell

The solid goaltending did not come often for Aaron Dell, falling victim to routine saves he let slip by him. Dell signed a two-year deal which was a bit odd given the goalies with the Barracuda that looked ready to back up Jones.

Trade rumors did swirl around Dell with the Barracuda playing well due in large part from the two goaltenders. Regardless, keeping Dell was the right decision at the trade deadline as calling up a goalie would have added pressure to Jones.

Dell does not deserve all the blame as he was left hung out to dry on most instances due to poor defending by the Sharks. He did have to relieve Jones on different occasions but could not provide an immediate spark.

Next. San Jose Sharks: Analysis of the team's 2018-19 forwards. dark

Overall, health kept San Jose from boasting the best defensive core in the NHL. The struggles setting up on the power play did not help as most opportunities became one and done. Karlsson showed flashes of his puck handling skills and carrying the match but did not provide enough to lift the Sharks into the Stanley Cup Final.

Wilson has plenty on his plate to decide the best way to assemble a San Jose team capable of contending for a championship. Plenty of talent is available through free agency or via trades so don’t expect Wilson to be quiet during the summer.

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