Kurtenbach: The Sharks have a blue-line problem. That's just the start of the issue

San Jose’s rebuild is at risk of missing the playoffs for an eighth straight season unless GM Mike Grier fixes the club’s defensive problems, according to a detailed critique. The writer argues the Sharks don’t lack scoring—highlighted by being shut out but also by their overall forward production—but instead struggle on the blue line, calling it a costly issue after Grier spent heavily on veteran defensemen. The defense is labeled “sluggish” and tied to about $20 million in spending that isn’t translating into results. A 2-0 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday featured just 23 shots, a third-period scoring drought, and criticism aimed at Darnell Nurse and Dmitry Orlov.