The NHL's race for last place is heating up, particularly for the San Jose Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks as they both vie for the bottom of the standings in a desperate bid to enhance their chances for the coveted No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft. The stakes are high, with the bottom team earning a 25.5% chance of securing the top draft selection.
The Sharks currently sit in dead last with 47 points and have embraced a tanking strategy, evident by their trades of Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci in early February. Since then, the Sharks have compiled a lackluster 4-9-3 record, surrendering an alarming 3.56 goals per game, which ranks them third-worst in the league over that stretch. Yet, it's fascinating that the Sharks have not been completely blown out; three of their last twelve losses were by more than two goals. This statistic reflects their inability to close out games, even when they manage to remain competitive.
Compounding their woes, nine of their last twelve games are against teams battling for playoff spots, including matchups against heavyweights like the Edmonton Oilers, the New York Rangers, and the Los Angeles Kings. Ryan Warsofsky, the Sharks' head coach, remains optimistic, stating, “Obviously, we want to win every game we play. That’s what this sport is all about.” However, many fans can’t help but eye potential future stars like Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer or Boston College's James Hagens.
The Blackhawks find themselves four points ahead of the Sharks, with 51 points. Although they recently halted a seven-game losing streak with an explosive 7-4 victory against the Philadelphia Flyers, their defensive struggles have continued in the wake of trading Seth Jones on March 1, which has led them to concede an average of 3.67 goals per game—tied for the fourth worst in the league. Given their current standing, they face one of the league's toughest schedules, with matchups against teams destined for the playoffs like the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, and Boston Bruins. While the Blackhawks could potentially steal some points against an injury-plagued New Jersey Devils or potentially the Pittsburgh Penguins, their chances appear slim, especially with a mere seven away victories on the season.
As both teams battle it out, the question arises: who is better positioned to claim the title of the NHL’s worst record? Right now, the odds seem to favor the Sharks due to their consistent ability to lose close games. Chicago may manage to grab a point or two, but San Jose's steady decline suggests they are the safer bet to finish dead last.
Expressing frustration regarding the current situation, both teams know the ramifications of their standings extend beyond the current season. Two years ago, the Blackhawks won the No. 1 overall pick and selected the generational talent Connor Bedard. Last season, the Sharks benefitted from finishing bottom, landing Macklin Celebrini, who is already establishing his presence in the league.
Now, with less than a month until the season concludes, it’s evident that success last season is fueling a rivalry between these two teams as they each seek to maximize their chances for the 25.5% shot at landing Schaefer. Sharks General Manager Mike Grier recently remarked, “Skates really well, competes hard, plays with energy and passion,” about Schaefer in January, further spotlighting the kind of game-changer both teams are hoping to add to their rosters.
As the regular season winds down, the anticipation only heightens. San Jose's remaining schedule entails encounters against league foes that could very well cement their poor record, with six remaining home games, including matchups with the Rangers, Oilers, and a clash with the Anaheim Ducks that could be deceptively winnable.
Likewise, the Blackhawks look to fend off the Sharks without ease, holding a precarious lead in the standings. Although they may not have a pivotal tiebreaker, with 18 regulation wins to the Sharks' 14, the pressure is on them too, as their misfortunes unravel with each high-scoring affair. As both teams near the end of a frustrating season, the only thing left to navigate is whether they want to finish bottom and lock in the prospect of Matthew Schaefer, or in an attempt to regain some semblance of competitiveness to close out the year.
Regardless of the outcomes, one thing is clear: while this battle for last may not be pretty hockey, it makes for riveting observation as fans cling to the hope of long-term success through the draft.
