Sharks' Rebound Defense Ranks Fifth-Worst NHL

The San Jose Sharks’ 6-3 loss to the Boston Bruins exposed persistent problems protecting the front of the net and winning key puck battles. San Jose allowed seven rebound shots in the game, its worst total of the season, and is giving up 3.42 rebound shots per game, among the NHL’s highest rates. Coach Ryan Warsofsky and defenseman Dmitry Orlov pointed to inadequate net-front coverage, missed battles and lapses in focus as contributors to the goals against. Ahead of another matchup with Boston, the Sharks were set to start Alex Nedeljkovic, while Adam Gaudette was expected to enter the lineup after Igor Chernyshov’s injury.