San Jose Sharks: Make Case For Lord Stanley’s Cup

San Jose Sharks: With 15 Other Teams in the Playoffs, The San Jose Sharks Have a Very Strong Team and Reason as to Why They Can Win it All. But so do Those Other 15 Teams, However, San Jose Remains a Front Runner!

EXPECTATIONS AT BEGINNING OF SEASON

The undaunting image and thoughts circulate these San Jose Sharks players heads each time they step out onto the ice. Never have won a Stanley Cup, but coming so close to the satisfaction of finally putting your franchise on the map. San Jose was set up for another eventful run to the Stanley Cup this playoff time, after falling short to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games last year. As the years continue, Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau’s windows are closing. Most individuals expected this to be a #1 team, making another run to the playoffs. With the veterans and Martin Jones in net, this team was set up to have another successful season yet again.

BIGGEST STRENGTH: VETERAN LEADERSHIP

Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau are both 37 years old. Both are in the top 5 for points on the team and both have carried this team for the past ten years. On top of those two, Brent Burns is making a serious run for the Norris trophy. With 71 points, 27 goals Burns is proving his dominance and two-way ability in the league yet again. Along with Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski having strong years, both with 20 plus goals and 50 plus points. These veteran leaders are the main reason why San Jose sits among the top of the Pacific division.

BIGGEST QUESTION MARK: LACK OF SCORING DEPTH

Pavelski, Couture, Marleau and Burns combine for 53% of San Jose’s goals this season. Currently ranked 18th among all NHL teams in goals for(197). San Jose has not seen their depth forwards score this season, not much at all. Which is a vital part of the playoffs, often depth guys make a major impact to series and turn borderline Stanley Cup teams into Stanley Cup teams. Joel Ward, we’ve seen produce in big time games, but with the acquisition of Mikkel Boedker this offseason he has not lived up to expectations. Ward and Bodeker have a combined 18 goals on the season thus far. If it’s one thing that makes San Jose fall short of winning the Stanley Cup it would most certainly have to be a lack of scoring depth.

WHY THE SHARKS CAN WIN THE CUP

    The Hockey gods have to be looking down on Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau thinking why have we not helped these two after their storied careers. No, but all seriousness. San Jose understands the window for these two is closing. The end of their career is coming to an end sooner or later. Desperation mode has to be a common theme within the locker room. Playing with a sense of urgency and desperation will make this team scary in the playoffs. Don’t worry I did not forget about Martin Jones. Martin Jones is another reason as to why San Jose can win the Stanley Cup. Jones has established himself as a #1 starter in the NHL. With a 2.26 GAA, 32 wins and .916 save percentage, Jones has done his fair share of heavy lifting for San Jose. And has proved he can do it again, after his performance last playoffs. Brent Burns, arguably the best two-way defensemen in the league, Burns has been the backbone of this team all year. If there is anyone who can step up and make a big time play, score a big time goal, or whatever it may be it’s Brent Burns.

Next: Washington Capitals: Stanley Cup or Bust

San Jose has the tools to get it done, Pavelski numbers in the Stanley Cup final were disappointing if he can find a way to produce in big time scenarios San Jose can find themselves with their first ever Stanley Cup win.

DEPTH CHART

Jannik Hansen – Joe Thornton – Joe Pavelski
Patrick Marleau – Logan Couture – Joel Ward
Mikkel Boedker – Tomas Hertl – Joonas Donskoi
Marcus Sorensen – Daniel O’Regan – Michael Haley
Ryan Carpenter – Kevin Labanc – Timo Meier

Paul Martin – Brent Burns
Marc-Edourd Vlasic – Justin Braun
Brenden Dillon – David Schlemko
Dylan DeMelo – Mirco Mueller

Martin Jones
Aaron Dell