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Shark-ingly Good

From: Scott Allen | May 3, 2010 | Comments(0) | Print | Share |

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The last six seasons, including this past regular season, have been great for the San Jose Sharks; expect for one major detail.  They have yet to win a Stanley Cup, let a lone get themselves to the finals.  You don't hear much about the Sharks or their players because they are on the west coast, playing games at 9 or 10pm EST.  Many players on that team have never been heard of by even the most loyal NHL fans; however this year seems like it could be different.

The Sharks have been nothing but dominant in the last eight regular seasons.  Since the 2003-2004 season, the San Jose Sharks have finished in first place five times and second twice in the Pacific Division.  In the history of their franchise, dating back to the start in the '91-'92 season, the Sharks have only missed the playoffs five times.  Of all the years in the playoffs the Sharks have made it through the first round every season except for last season ('08-'09 playoffs).  

For the last few years I routed for the Sharks in the Western Conference, saying it was their year.  However, I kept seeing them drop out of the playoffs wondering how a great team that has always been consistent was unable to at least make it to the Stanley Cup Finals. Maybe the Sharks just aren't a playoff caliber team?  

Now, I understand I might be writing this prematurely, and I'm not trying to jinx the Sharks one bit. I just want to give the Sharks their credit when due.  So many articles have been written about the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins, or the New York Rangers and the Chicago Blackhawks, but rarely do you see something written about a west coast hockey team.  Maybe because no one ever puts hockey with California? But again, they deserve to be recognized.

This years Sharks roster has been nothing but outstanding.  They lead the Western Conference with 113 points and had a 40+ goal scorer in Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley earned himself 39 goals.  Evgeni Nabokov, consistently a good goalie, has been nothing but stellar this season including the playoffs.  With 44 wins this season and GAA of 2.06 in the playoffs the Sharks seem to have all the pieces falling into place.  One great surprise has been the rise of Joe Pavelski.  He has 14 points and 9 goals in the playoffs, which has helped the Sharks currently gain a 2-0 lead over the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference Semifinals.

While some of these players are not household names they bring together a chemistry that teams spend decades trying to create.  The Sharks seem to have an eye for talent, old or new, and understand what missing pieces are needed when players leave for one reason or another.  The Sharks continue to pursue Lord Stanley's Cup season and after season.  No one knows if this will be the year, but if they do hoist the Cup above their heads this season it will be nothing but deserving.