The San Jose Sharks are off to a surprising 6-4-1 start.

But they’re likely about to face their stiffest test yet. On Tuesday, they open a five-game road trip against the 7-1-3 Calgary Flames.

It doesn’t get any easier after the Flames — the Sharks also will visit the 6-3-2 Winnipeg Jets, the 8-3-0 Minnesota Wild, and the 7-2-1 St. Louis Blues on this trip.

The only team that San Jose will square off against on this swing that’s not currently in the playoff picture? The 4-5-1 Colorado Avalanche — preseason Stanley Cup favorite Avalanche, that is.

They’ll also have to face Calgary and Winnipeg short-handed. The San Jose Sharks currently have seven players in COVID protocol, and none are currently allowed to enter Canada, despite being on the verge of exiting protocol.

In short, the Sharks’ feel-good start to this season could be a distant memory two weeks from now.

But what if the San Jose Sharks are for real? These three things have fueled their quick start and could carry them through this upcoming gauntlet.

Read full article on NBC Sports Bay Area

We're having fun!! pic.twitter.com/byeSH76OZk

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) November 4, 2021