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Sharks’ McLellan knows he’s in danger of being fired

Todd McLellan

San Jose Sharks head coach Todd McLellan answers questions during a news conference in San Jose, Calif., Wednesday, April 29, 2009, the after day the Anaheim Ducks knocked them out of the first-round of the NHL hockey playoffs. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

AP

Even with all that conflicted talk of (maybe, sort of) rebuilding, a 10-9-4 start is disappointing for the San Jose Sharks. Head coach Todd McLellan isn’t oblivious to the pressure that’s mounting, either.

McLellan told the Mercury News that he knows his job is on the line.

“I feel confident with myself and the coaching staff, but I’m also a realist,” McLellan said on Monday. “I know that the team hasn’t performed to the level that any of us are happy with — not just ownership and management, but also coaches and players aren’t happy with the results.”

McLellan added, “I know the business.”

He’s currently in his seventh season with the Sharks, so it’s not as if he hasn’t received a nice array of opportunities to get the job done.

That said, there are some reasons to hope that things might improve. The most optimistic note is that the Sharks finish 2014 with a schedule that’s finally heavy on home games after starting the season with 16 of 21 contests on the road. They play four in a row in San Jose and nine of 11 games at home through Dec. 20.

The team’s possession stats have also been climbing lately, so they might earn a few more bounces here and there, too.

In other words, it’s risky to say that McLellan’s days are numbered. That could change if the Sharks flop at home one too many times, however.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins