2013-14 record: 51-22-9 (111 points)
Lost to Los Angeles in Conference quarterfinals
Captain: TBA
The San Jose Sharks became just the fourth team in NHL history to blow a 3-0 series lead and lose the series when they turned the trick against the Los Angeles Kings last season. The Sharks' actions during the off-season can be best described as a chicken running around with its head cut off, as they've let Dan Boyle walk, move Brent Burns back to the blue line, taken away all letter designations from their players until after training camp, and are toying with the idea of letting the backup goalie become the starter. While Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau are still solid point producers, only Marleau actually showed up for the playoffs, and Joe Pavelski emerged as a viable option while Logan Couture was never the same after getting injured prior to Olympic break. There's no shortage of offensive options, but fixing the power play is a must. The blue line sees Burns going back to the position he played on a regular basis as of three seasons ago. This move was necessitated by the Boyle departure, and there will be at least one more newcomer (likely Mirco Mueller) since Brad Stuart was traded. Antti Niemi had a good, but not great season. However, that season got much worse come playoff time, as he was yanked in favor of Alex Stalock, who had a great regular season as a backup, but he could not save the Sharks' sinking ship in the playoffs.
Prediction: 4th in the Pacific Division
The Sharks are doing just about everything to wash away the stench of the 3-0 to 4-3 series loss they endured. Whether or not any of it works will be figured out in the early parts of the season, and with jobs potentially on the line, the pressure to succeed is on more than ever.
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