Peepin' Foes Preview Edition: San Jose Sharks

Alas, that nice Ranger connection we had with the Sharks is gone. Manny Malhotra used San Jose to revive his career and get a good-money gig with Vancouver this summer. Jed Ortmeyer (Jed!) got hurt last spring, underwent double hernia surgery, became a UFA and was not even invited back to Shark camp. Those heartless bastards.

Familiar Foes: The big three will be back - Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and speed racer Dany Heatley. Dan Boyle bounced right back from scoring on his own team during the playoffs and continues to quarterback their attack. Joe Pavelski rose to prominence during that futile playoff run and turned it into a big contract - whether he can keep it going will be key. Devin Setoguchi also has plenty to prove - he needs to show he can find consistency. Pickles Vlasic, Douglas Murray and deadline acquisition Nic Wallin will provide consistency on defense in front of a new netminder.

N00bz: That new netminder will be either Antti Niemi or Antero Niittymaki, San Jose's two biggest signings. You kinda feel bad for Niitty as he was all set to take the gig when Doug Wilson picked up Niemi after the Hawks let him go. Niitty was red hot last fall and was (stupidly) passed over by Team Finland, sending him back to earth; he will be pushed hard by the Cup-winning, younger Finn Niemi. Red Wings defenseman Andreas Lilja insanely spurned Detroit and is in Shark camp on a tryout - he will face some tough competition to break in from streaky offensive youngster Jason Demers and old reliable Kent Huskins. No one replaced bruiser Brad Staubitz but the tough Jamal Mayers was added to take Jed's job so he will stand up for his teammates while taking regular shifts alongside Scotty Nichol.

Last Year: Monday, October 19th 7-3 Sharks win.

This Year: Saturday, March 12th in San Jose.

What They Mean To Blue: Not too much. The Rangers play Anaheim three days prior, so they will have plenty of time to enjoy some fun in the sun before facing the Sharks. Even without Nabokov in net, San Jose should still compete in the West, meaning a loss by the Blueshirts won't be the shocking end of the world. No matter the result, after that game the farthest the Rangers will have to travel will be Pittsburgh.

 Peepin' Foes Preview Edition: San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks, a franchise known for its passionate fan base and memorable playoff runs, have faced challenges in recent seasons. As the NHL season approaches, it's time for another installment of "Peepin' Foes Preview Edition," where we delve into what to expect from the San Jose Sharks in the upcoming season.

In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive analysis of the Sharks' roster, recent performance, key players to watch, and address some frequently asked questions about the team. Whether you're a die-hard Sharks supporter or simply curious about the future of this storied franchise, our preview has got you covered.

San Jose Sharks Roster Analysis

The San Jose Sharks have experienced both highs and lows in their recent history. Let's take a closer look at their roster and what it brings to the table for the upcoming season:

1. Offense:

The Sharks have some talented forwards, but they've been in transition in recent years. Logan Couture serves as the team's captain and is a dependable two-way center. Evander Kane is a dynamic winger known for his scoring ability, and Timo Meier provides physicality and scoring touch.

2. Defense:

San Jose has been renowned for its strong defense in the past, anchored by Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns. However, the team has experienced some changes, with Marc-Edouard Vlasic also a key figure on the blue line. Young defensemen like Mario Ferraro and Ryan Merkley are looking to make their mark.

3. Goaltending:

Martin Jones, the team's longtime starting goaltender, has been inconsistent in recent seasons. The Sharks will need him to regain his form if they want to make a playoff push. Additionally, they acquired Adin Hill in the offseason to provide competition and depth in goal.

Recent Performance

The San Jose Sharks had a remarkable run during the 2018-19 season when they reached the Western Conference Final. Unfortunately, they fell short of a Stanley Cup victory, but their performance showcased their ability to contend.

However, since that impressive run, the Sharks have struggled to recapture their previous success. They missed the playoffs in the 2019-20 season, and while they narrowly made it in 2020-21, they were eliminated in the first round by the Vegas Golden Knights.

The team's management has acknowledged the need for a rebuild and has made moves to acquire younger talent while maintaining key veterans. As they transition to a new era, the Sharks face both challenges and opportunities on their path back to contention.

Key Players to Watch

Logan Couture: As the team captain and a veteran presence, Couture will be a vital leader on and off the ice. His two-way play and scoring ability make him a player to watch.

Evander Kane: Kane is known for his scoring touch and physical play. His offensive contributions will be crucial for the Sharks.

Erik Karlsson: Karlsson is a former two-time Norris Trophy winner as the league's top defenseman. His ability to quarterback the power play and contribute offensively is a key factor.

Timo Meier: Meier's combination of size, speed, and scoring ability makes him an exciting player to watch. He has the potential to be a game-changer.

Adin Hill: With the goaltending situation in San Jose uncertain, Hill's performance will be closely monitored. He has an opportunity to establish himself as the team's goaltender of the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are the San Jose Sharks in a rebuilding phase?

Yes, the Sharks have acknowledged the need for a rebuild. They are transitioning to a younger core while keeping key veterans. This process aims to make the team competitive in the long term.

2. How have injuries affected the Sharks in recent seasons?

Injuries have been a significant challenge for the Sharks in recent years, particularly to key players like Karlsson and Couture. Staying healthy will be crucial for their success.

3. Can the Sharks return to playoff contention in the near future?

It's possible, but it will depend on the development of young players, the performance of veterans, and how the team adapts to the changing landscape of the NHL.

*4. How has the departure of Joe Thornton impacted the team?

Joe Thornton was a beloved figure in San Jose and a key contributor for many years. His departure created a leadership void, but the team is looking to its current leaders to step up.

*5. Who are some promising young players in the Sharks' organization?

The Sharks have several promising prospects, including forwards William Eklund and Jonathan Dahlen, and defensemen Ryan Merkley and Mario Ferraro. These players could play pivotal roles in the team's future.

The San Jose Sharks, a team with a storied history and passionate fan base, are at a crossroads in their journey. While they've faced challenges in recent years, the team is committed to rebuilding and returning to playoff contention.

As the new NHL season approaches, the Sharks offer an intriguing mix of veteran leadership and young talent. Whether they can recapture the magic of their 2018-19 playoff run remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the San Jose Sharks will continue to be a team worth watching and supporting as they navigate their path back to prominence in the NHL. So, brace yourself for another exciting season of Sharks hockey as they strive to make waves in the league once more.