San Jose trailed the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 in the third period at Nationwide Arena on Nov. 22, 2015, but scored four straight goals for a 5-3 victory that completed a 6-0-0 trip. The Sharks went on to set a team record and lead the NHL with 28 road wins.
"It was a big moment for us," Sharks forward Joel Ward said. "It built a lot of confidence in us to do well on the road and once we got back home we took care of our own barn. It was definitely a boost to win that game."
The Sharks defeated the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 at home Wednesday in their season opener. After playing the Blue Jackets, they continue with games at the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings before returning to SAP Center.
It's a daunting task, but the Sharks are confident based on what they did on the road last season.
"We played hard but it was patient hockey," captain Joe Pavelski said. "We didn't beat ourselves, ever. It was a good recipe for us."
Ward said the reason for San Joe's road success starts with veterans such as Pavelski, forward Joe Thornton and defenseman Brent Burns.
"Our leadership group is really strong," Ward said. "The way the bring it everyone follows. We have a good system and the coaches laid a good foundation."
San Jose coach Peter DeBoer would love to replicate last season's road success but knows it won't be easy.
"We're not going to catch anyone by surprise this year," he said. "Everyone is going to be ready for us."
The Sharks will not make any lineup changes, but Columbus will have one after losing 6-3 to the Boston Bruins in the season opener Thursday at Nationwide Arena.
Defenseman Ryan Murray, who played all 82 games last season, sustained a lower-body injury blocking a shot and will sit. Dalton Prout will take his place on a pairing with rookie Markus Nutivaara.
"You want to be playing in home opener. I'd be lying if I said I didn't," Prout said. "I'm excited to get back with the team. I didn't play the last couple of exhibition games or the home opener."
Columbus coach John Tortorella knows Prout isn't the same offensive threat as Murray, but he wants him up the ice helping as often as possible.
"He's a hard-nosed defensive guy under the hash but that does not stop him from the responsibility of joining the rush," Tortorella said. "If we want to enhance our scoring and score some goals as we go through a long year he needs to take that responsibility also. He has the ability to do that."
