SAN JOSE – Most of those who follow the San Jose Sharks agree that the team might be some time away from regularly being able to beat the NHL’s best. Still, players and coaches have talked repeatedly about taking a step forward this season after spending the previous two years in last place.

Another season at or near the bottom of the league standings would be considered a failure by everyone in the organization, particularly owner Hasso Plattner.

Perhaps that’s what made the Sharks’ comments after their 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday at SAP Center a bit alarming.

Players and coaches spoke about not working hard enough, about not having enough compete against one of the NHL’s better teams. And this was only the third game of the season.

For a Sharks team trying to climb

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