The San Jose Sharks have set the bar high for the new NHL season. And how can it not be set high following arguably the best season in franchise history?

Since 2003-04, the Sharks have cracked the century mark for points 7 times. They have 6 division titles, and finally have a conference title to hang their Jofa's on. All that's left to do is win the freaking Stanley Cup, right?

During the run to the Cup Final the Sharks exorcised past demons by smashing the Kings, they shook off the "choker" label by dismissing the Predators in an epic game 7 and ended years of near misses by finally having a chance to play for the Cup.

All in all, last season was a rousing success...except for losing to the Penguins.

San Jose, a franchise that once lost a whopping 71 games, is considered a perennial winner...without actually winning anything. Since the franchises inception in 1991-92, they have failed to qualify for the playoffs a mere 6 times. The put that into perspective...The Edmonton Oilers have missed the playoffs 10 seasons in a row....IN A ROW! And of the franchises 18 playoff appearances they failed to win at least one round just 6 times. Not too shabby.

The Sharks enter the 2016-17 season with no major roster subtractions. In fact, they have bolstered the lineup by adding defenseman David Schlemko and forward Mikkel Boedker. Martin Jones has proven himself as a more than capable starting goalie. Joonas Donskoi is a year older. Logan Couture is healthy and any roster with Joe Pavelski and Brent Burns is in great shape.

So how do we define a successful season for the Sharks moving forward?

Another 100 point season?

Presidents Trophy?

A division title, the first one since 2010-11?

Another Conference Finals appearance?

Another Cup Final appearance?

Or have we reached Stanley Cup or bust territory?

I'm curious what you all think. Can you be satisfied with anything less than the Stanley Cup in 2016-17?

Inquiring minds want to know.

***

Upcoming preseason schedule:

9/30 vs. Arizona at SAP 7:30pm
10/2 @ Vancouver 5pm
10/5 vs. Anaheim at SAP 7:30pm
10/7 @ Arizona 7pm
10/9 @ Anaheim 5pm

Thanks for reading,
Steve

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