The San Sharks:
In 2007, the Sharks went 3-1 against the Red Wings in the regular season. They finished 5th in the Western Conference with 107 points, heading into the playoffs as the hottest team in hockey. They went on to lose to the Red Wings in the second round of the playoffs in 6 games.In 2008 the Sharks went 1-3 against the Red Wings in the regular season. They finished 2nd in the Western Conference with 108 points. They went onto to be defeated once again in the second round of the playoffs in a low-scoring series against the Dallas Stars... who then went on to lose to the Red Wings in the Western Conference Finals.
This year, the Sharks are 2-2 against the Red Wings in the regular season. They have 93 points this year already, which has them a top the Western Conference and on pace to surpass last year's total of 108 points.
So if there is something to be said about the Sharks, it is two things: Conistency and trouble with the Red Wings, the latter being an issue for every Western Conference club.
Why they are Contenders: In response to last year's anemia-induced second-round defeat and fear of Detroit, the Sharks organization knew they had to boost their scoring, so they immediately went out and picked up the offensive-minded Dan Boyle from the Tampa Bay Lightning, and this has paid off rather well for them. But an even bigger point to make is how good the Sharks defense has been this year. Aided by two terrific goaltenders in Evgeni Nabakov and Brian Boucher, the Sharks have allowed the third fewest goals in the NHL. They have also managed to score over 200 goals in the season to this point.
Why Sharks fans should be nervous: Well, because of the Detroit Red Wings. While the Sharks have managed to play the Wings tough this season, one cannot quantify the psychological disadvantage that they would have in a 7-game series against Detroit if and when it comes to that. Also, raise your hand if you think the Sharks hang onto the points lead in the Western Conference... Yeah.
Players to watch:
Patrick Marleau - Mr. Stanfield has already matched his career high in goals and still has over 15 games to play this season. His production has been increasing with each year and he appears to be at the top of his game. If he can improve on last year's playoff performance, then the Sharks should put up a better fight this time around.
Dan Boyle - Is currently 4th in scoring amongst defensemen, and given the fact that the Sharks are not letting up many goals, it appears that he ain't no slouch in his own end either. He's a veteran who consistently puts up points every year and should prove a valuable resource on both ends of the ice this spring.
Devin Setaguchi - This young gun has really stepped up this season providing both scoring and energy which the Sharks desperately lacked over the past few seasons. He's got over 50 points this season and he's only 22 years of age. But don't let his age fool you because the kid's balls are fully formed. Check out the highlight below...
Clips of the season:
The Gooch takes it to Iginla:
Joe Thornton loves fighting guys half his size:
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