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The Sharks ‘really are out to prove something’

Sharks Blue Jackets Hockey

San Jose Sharks celebrate a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio. The Sharks defeated the Blue Jackets 5-3. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

AP

When Pete DeBoer was introduced as the new head coach in San Jose, he predicted a “big bounce-back” from the Sharks.

His reasoning?

“You’ve got a lot of proud people here that aren’t too happy about where they were sitting at the end of last season,” DeBoer said. “My history with that is, if you’ve got character and you’ve been through that, you’re ready to push back. And I think we’re going to see that.”

Fast forward to today and the Sharks are coming off a perfect six-game road trip, one that wrapped up Sunday with an impressive come-from-behind win in Columbus. San Jose trailed the Blue Jackets 3-1 in the third period; four unanswered goals made the final, 5-3.

“It’s a fantastic group of men in there that really are out to prove something,” DeBoer said, per CSN Bay Area. “It’s nice to be a part of what we just witnessed here.”

The Sharks returned home with a 13-8-0 record, good for first place in the Pacific Division.

On top of that, they should get Logan Couture back soon. That should help the depth issues, no?

Now, granted, it’s not all roses. Without goalie Martin Jones, there’s little chance that trip would’ve been so successful. The 25-year-old has arguably been the team’s MVP. Puck-possession wise, the Sharks still have some work to do. On the trip, they beat Detroit, Philly, and Pittsburgh despite getting outshot by a combined 101-64.

But hey, kudos to GM Doug Wilson for addressing the goaltending. The position was a weakness last year; now, it seems to be a strength.

The Sharks host the Blackhawks Wednesday. The game can be seen on NBCSN.