San Jose Sharks: Why the Next 3 Road Games Are Must-Wins

"Road Woes" was the headline on SJSharks.com after the San Jose Sharks' 6-3 loss at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets, the worst team in the NHL.

In the midst of a nine-game road trip, San Jose is a dismal 1-4-1, with no more ground to give. Don't look now, because San Jose is now tied with the Phoenix Coyotes for the lead in the Pacific Division with 69 points. One more loss, and the Sharks could find themselves in seventh place in the Western Conference, fighting for a playoff spot.

Which makes these next three road games absolutely pivotal. The Sharks will face Toronto (eighth in East), Nashville (fifth in West) and Minnesota (12th in West), all on the road. These are three very tough opponents to play, especially in their territory. With the Sharks already struggling, you must have to imagine that their confidence and inspiration must be running on an all-time low. 

If they win-out on all three of these games, they will finish the road trip at 4-4-1 and maintain their division lead. If they lose all three, Phoenix and the Los Angeles Kings will probably overtake San Jose in the Pacific, forcing the Sharks out of a playoff spot.

Now, I wouldn't push the panic button quite yet, but the Sharks have to somehow figure out a way to put together some wins and live up to their potential as one of the premier teams in the NHL.

Whichever way you want to put it, these next three games will be the most important games that the Sharks play this season.