After 11 games played this season, the San Jose Sharks have earned just one point in the standings and could end the season with one of the worst records in National Hockey League (NHL) history, an unenviable achievement given their mediocrity Formations consider the past.
When head coach David Quinn’s men took on the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night, they had a points average of .046, which obviously would be their worst ever if the schedule ended now. If the Sharks pick up a few wins along the way, the fact remains that the 2023-2024 class is anything but a Stanley Cup contender. San Jose has already taken a serious option in last place in the NHL.
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Here are the five clubs that had the worst years since the great expansion of 1967-1968.
-Washington Capitals, 1974-1975
With an average of .131, the team from the American capital is officially the worst in the annals of the league. The “Caps”, who were then playing their first season, were satisfied with eight wins in 80 games and only won one of their 40 games abroad. Their three goalkeepers, Ron Low, John Adams and Sorelois Michel Belhumour, all posted a goals against average of over 5.00. The squad included very few familiar names, but we would like to highlight the presence of defender Yvon Labre, whose number 7 was retired by the organization. Behind the bench, Jim Anderson, Red Sullivan and Milt Schmidt appeared as head coaches.
-San Jose Sharks, 1992-1993
Sharks fans old enough to remember have bad memories of the franchise’s second year of operation, which ended with a poor record of 11-71-2, a .143 average. However, the team had a total of 17 triumphs to their name on their debut, but the rest lacked bite. Pilot George Kingston allowed his team 414 goals, an NHL high. Not surprisingly, bad goaltenders Brian Hayward, Jeff Hackett, Arturs Irbe and Wade Flaherty had long spells. Pivot Kelly Kisio was the best offense with 78 points ahead of Johan Garpenlov (66). Familiar fans’ faces on the team included Pat Falloon, Sandis Ozolinsh and future general manager Doug Wilson. Luckily for the Sharks, the journey across the desert was worth it as they made the playoffs in 1994.
-Senators from Ottawa, 1992-1993
Obviously, the Montreal Canadiens put together some pretty terrible teams last Cup season. In 1992–1993, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Senators took their first steps. In Florida the experience went relatively well given the circumstances with 23 wins and 53 points. In Ottawa, however, it was a different story. Head coach Rick Bowness’s men have posted 10 wins and 70 losses, maintaining a points average of 0.143. Aside from the 5-3 win over the Habs in the opening session of the concession, it was a journey of crosses for a group that counted, among others, on Sylvain Turgeon, his team’s best sniper with 25 goals. However, it was defenseman Norm Maciver who dominated with 63 points. Veteran Daniel Berthiaume was one of four goalkeepers in action, but Peter Sidorkiewicz played in most games (64). The Sens won only once on the road – on April 10, 1993 – and their atrocious campaign allowed them to select Alexandre Daigle first overall in the following draft.
-New York Islanders, 1972-1973
Many years later, before the islanders achieved fame, they ate their black bread. In their first season, they earned a total of 12 wins in 78 games and maintained a .192 average. The Islanders, limited to 170 goals, posted a record of 2-35-2 on opposing ice. When Mike Bossy was not yet on the team, some craftsmen of the future dynasty began to sharpen their weapons. Goaltender Billy Smith played in 37 games while Bob Nystrom played 11 games. The following summer, the Islanders were able to console themselves by drafting defenseman Denis Potvin first overall. He joined his brother Jean, who also played about ten games in New York after being acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers.
-Quebec Nordiques, 1989-1990
Fleurdelisé fans who witnessed this dismal season want it to be forgotten forever, just like Michel Bergeron, who had the “privilege” of managing the club. The poor Nordiques collected 12 wins, 61 losses and seven draws, finishing with a .194 average. A local radio station had paid tribute to the embarrassing performances in Quebec by parodying Michel Barrette’s famous song “Le Temps D’une Dinde” – which had become a homage to the “Nordindes” – last spring; The following year, however, lived up to this nickname. While Bergeron cursed goalkeeper Sergei Mylnikov without caring about his physical condition, the great Guy Lafleur suffered an ankle injury that limited him to 39 games. Then valued players left the company via transaction, notably Peter Stastny and Michel Goulet. As good news, young Joe Sakic should be mentioned, whose total score of 102 gave a good overview of his magnificent career.