NHL Division Outlook: Pacific
By Mike Majeski
San Jose Sharks
Feb 7, 2014; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks right wing
Martin Havlat(9) celebrates with center
Joe Pavelski(8) after scoring against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
If there is one team in the Pacific Division that can play upset on the Ducks in the final run to the playoffs, it’s the San Jose Sharks. Every year the Sharks show up in someone’s picks to win the Cup, and every year they disappoint. While a Cup might be a long shot this year, I think the Sharks can surge into the playoffs over the next few months. San Jose won’t be a big player at the trade deadline, as GM Doug Wilson stated before the Olympic break that his team will continue their rebuild plan and will not package assets for a playoff run. If the Sharks are going to contend this year, it will be with what they have now.
Western Conference Standing: 4th
Division: 2nd
Record in the last 10 games: 6-4-0
Top Scorers:
- Joe Thornton (8 G, 48 A, 56 points)
- Joe Pavelski (29 G, 25 A, 54 points)
- Patrick Marleau (23 G, 27 A, 50 points)
Starting Goaltender:
Antti Niemi: 29-12-6-2, 2.39 GAA, .912 SV%