New system in place to improve Sharks' problematic ice

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SAN JOSE –- Responding to pointed criticisms from head coach Pete DeBoer and several players, the Sharks have implemented a dehumidifier system at SAP Center to help with what has been a problematic ice surface for much of the winter.

The system was in place on Saturday afternoon when the Sharks hosted the Rangers. The result, coincidentally or not, was a 4-1 San Jose win in which they fired a season-high 52 shots on goal.

“The ice seems about right. No real complaints,” Joe Pavelski said on Sunday.

DeBoer said: “I thought the ice was better.”

Was the improved ice surface a factor in the Sharks’ dominant performance?

“I’m not going to say that’s the reason we won or we scored, but the ice was improved and that’s important going forward,” DeBoer said.

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The new system was operable nine days after Sharks C.O.O. John Tortora told CSNCalifornia.com on March 10 that it would be up “within two weeks.”

According to Tortora, “the increased rains the Bay Area has received this year, along with the humidity that comes with it, has made it more challenging to keep building conditions at an optimal level.”

The tipping point to fix it may have been after a Sharks game on March 9, when they lost 3-0 to the Devils. When asked if the Sharks needed to simplify their game on bad ice, DeBoer remarked: “Maybe we fix the ice. How about that?”

Logan Couture was even more critical of the playing surface the following day.

“You can’t make excuses, both teams are playing on the same ice, but if you ask opposing players, you’ll probably get the same answer that the ice is pretty garbage,” Couture said.

The AHL Barracuda, who relocated from Worcester in the offseason, also play their home games at SAP Center including several doubleheaders with the Sharks. Several Sharks players have said that when playing a game the night after the Barracuda competed that afternoon, the ice was particularly choppy.

The Sharks will play the second of a season-long six-game homestand on Sunday against Arizona. Of their final 11 games, eight are at SAP Center.

 

 

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