Sharks coach challenges players before daunting stretch: ‘Are we pretenders?’

SAN JOSE – The San Jose Sharks do not have the luxury of facing a handful of fellow rebuilding teams before they begin their Christmas break.

The Sharks play the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night to close a three-game homestand, then face the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks, on Saturday and Monday, respectively, before returning to San Jose for a three-day respite.

Nathan MacKinnon and the Avalanche are just outside of a playoff spot in the Western Conference in terms of points percentage.