San Jose Sharks year in review

[yave1964]

PRESEASON OUTLOOK

Thought by most to be among the elite clubs in the West they came in hungry looking to avenge losing a tough series the previous season to the Kings.

FINAL RECORD

51-22-9 111 points 3rd in the West

STRANGE STAT OF THE YEAR

Tomas Hertl had 12 even strength goals and zero on the power play all year. Brent Burns was the king at home, 18 goals, only 4 on the road.

HIGH POINT OF THE SEASON

On December 3rd the Sharks defeated the Ducks 4-2 for their 6th win in a row. They looked unbeatable with a 19-3-5 record. Of course come postseason when Patrick Marleau bested Quick and the Kings in overtime to put the Sharks up 3 games to none it appeared the team was well on its way to the second round.

LOW POINT OF THE SEASON

To me it was after game 5 of the playoffs in which they lost to the Kings 3-0 after losing game 4 by a score of 6-3. The team seemed to be in complete panic mode, Stalock was given the starting job for game 6 over Niemi who had been pulled in games 4 and 5. All together over the 4 game sweep they were outscored 18-5, scoring only 2 goals in the final 3 games combined. At no point in the season before the collapse did they give up 18 goals in 4 games. At only one point in the year did the offense disappear like they did in a four game stretch, but even then they managed 1 win.

WHAT WENT RIGHT

Joe Pavelski (41 goals) no longer looked like little Joe. Joe Thornton was second in hockey with 65 assists. Patrick Marleau (33-37-70) had a solid, complete season. Logan Couture and Brent Burns when healthy were both solid. Rookie Tomas Hertl had a very nice start, bringing cockiness and brashness to the organization until he was met by Dustin Brown's knee in mid December. Dan Boyle showed he could still run a power play, Vlasic was very strong at 5 on 5 hockey. Jason Demers showed solid offense from the blueline. Aanti Niemi managed 39 goals and had a 2.39 goals against with 4 shutouts and his backup Alex Stalock went 12-5-2 with a 1.87 goals against.

WHAT WENT WRONG

Martin Havlat scored 12 goals in 48 games but could not stay healthy. Tyler Kennedy had only 4 goals and was inconsistent for a bottom line player. Scott Hannan and Brad Stuart showed their age. Raffi Torres broke down. Adam Burrish continued to show a lack of skill.

MVP

I am going with Pavelski, his breakout season with 41 goals which led the team, his 31 PPP did as well. Continued to excel in all on ice situations.

UFAs

Dan Boyle

Scott Hannan

OFFSEASON QUESTIONS

Who pays the price? McClellan will likely be a goner, Boyle as well. Who will they bring in to fix a very average at best defense? Will all of the forwards be invited back or will one of them be dealt to shake things up? What exactly is Brent Burns?