Bite with Dentures?

SAN JOSE SHARKS


2009-2010 record: 51-20-11 (113 points)
Lost to Chicago in Conference Finals 4-0
Captain: TBA
Alternate captains: Joe Thornton, Dan Boyle

3 players to watch: The face of all of the Sharks' recent successes and failures is Patrick Marleau.  Until last year, he was the face of the team's failures.  He put up his best numbers last year and that carried over to the playoffs.  In turn, he was rewarded with a new contract, which should give him some security in knowing that he won't have to worry about being moved.  In contrast, Joe Thornton is the player that needs to step up, mainly in the postseason.  The regular season isn't the problem for him, it's just a matter of keeping that momentum up through the playoffs.  An underrated player prior to the Olympics, Joe Pavelski became something of a household name (in the Shark Tank) and was given a new contract.  The spotlight won't be on him too much, but he will perform.

Things to look for: The goaltending spot is in flux for the first time in almost a decade.  That may not be a bad thing, since the incumbent Evgeni Nabokov wasn't the answer for them to take the final step.  Antero Niitymaaki and Antti Niemi are battling for the number one spot, with Niemi having a slight edge.  This could be a two goalie system, since neither one has really established themselves as a true number one.  Defensively, the Sharks don't have great depth, hence the reason for making a run at Niklas Hjalmarsson.  However, having Dan Boyle on the line offers some offense and help for the power play.  The forwards are collectively a great group, and figure to get better with Logan Couture joining the team.  He had a taste of playoff hockey last year, and with Manny Malhotra gone, he figures to start on the third line in the beginning, but should move up by the end of the season.  The question, like always, is will San Jose finally get over the hill and reach the Stanley Cup Finals.

Prediction: 4th in the West

Song: In Flames-Ordinary Story

The Sharks are generally great in the regular season, but until last year, they were ordinary in the playoffs.  If the Sharks wish to shake off the "ordinary" and "choker" labels, another deep playoff run is a must.