The Sharks lost last night to the Canucks and didn't seem to put forth the effort I had hoped for. That loss all but ends any pipe dreams I had of San Jose winning the Pacific Division.
Time to start turning our attention to the playoffs and what role the Sharks will play this Spring.
Are they a contender or are they merely an obstacle standing in the way of another teams loftier goals?
This morning I read an interesting fluff piece on ESPN's 3-on-3 about what role the Sharks will have in the playoffs.
They asked: Which matchup would the Kings and Ducks like: San Jose or Nashville?
From Pierre Lebrun, "The Preds look just as dangerous as the Sharks, but I'd bet if you could get them to admit it privately, the Kings and Ducks would rather avoid San Jose. The road to the Western Conference finals is more palatable if you don't have to beat California rivals in the first two rounds. Those all-California series -- any combination of the Ducks, Sharks and Kings against each other -- have been brutally physical and emotional series the past several years..."
It's a forgone conclusion that the road to the Western Conference crown will go through California. To that point I am very proud. As a long time hockey fan and a longtime hockey in California advocate...this is music to my ears.
The only question I have is....why are the Sharks the bump in the road team? And why are we so certain the teams to beat are from Southern California?
I know the Kings and Ducks have combined for three Stanley Cups since 2007. And I know the Sharks have a checkered playoff history. But, when can we start looking at San Jose through a different window?
Can a playoff series win over Anaheim or L.A. change that...for good?
As Lebrun so aptly pointed out, the California teams play each other tough....really tough.
The Sharks will most likely end up third in the Pacific Division, which means they will see either the Kings or Ducks in the first round. Not a walk in the park by any stretch, but by upsetting one of those two teams the Sharks will almost certainly alter the face of the Western Conference playoff picture.
Is it entirely possible that with the Kings or Ducks out in the first round and the Blackhawks severely depleted(assuming Duncan Keith is suspended for a very long time) , the Sharks could make a serious run to the Final?
I wouldn't count them out.
I think for this to happen, the Sharks will get their best shot against the Kings.
San Jose is 3-1-1 against the Kings and only 1-3 vs. the Ducks. Regular season stats may not mean much come playoff time. But, if you consider the Sharks are one of the leagues best road teams and they went 2-0 at Staples Center it could become a big psychological advantage.
Mix in the fact that L.A. has knocked the Sharks out of the playoffs in San Jose's last two appearances and you have the perfect recipe for an upset. And if the 0-3 series meltdown is not motivation enough....I don't know what is.
What do you think?
thanks for reading, Steve