Buffalo is coming off of a 2-1 loss in New Jersey on Monday, a game in which they struggled to find any flow to their offensive game and only managed 23 shots on goal. But they're offensive struggles, Bylsma said, actually began in the defensive zone.
"I think in a lot of ways, where we've been good is we've played good defense and gotten our offensive chances and pressure the other way from that defense," he said. "Last night, particularly in the second period, we played a lot of defense and played poorly with the puck. That turned into defense for us and prevented us from getting to where we need to get to in the offensive end."
The Sharks are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games, having ascended to first place in the Pacific Division in the process. Brent Burns leads the team with 22 goals (most among NHL defensemen) and 33 assists, placing him fourth in the League with 55 points (also most among defensemen).
Veteran Patrick Marleau, meanwhile, recently scored his 500th NHL goal and is coming off an eight-goal month of January at age 37. All 500 of his goals have come in a San Jose uniform.
"That's a lot of years," Bylsma said. "He scored goals against me so he's been doing it for an awfully long time. Yes, to do it with one team I think is remarkable. It's just unheard of almost to think that players go through their whole career with one team. Watching the film and the tape of him, he's still got the speed and he's still got the step that has made him a special player."
For as good as the Sharks have been during Marleau's career, they've endured their fair share of struggles in Buffalo. The Sabres hold a 23-6-6 series record against San Jose and are 9-1-1 in their last 10 matchups.
