Finally, we are here. The last two teams played their 40th game Thursday. I already covered the Boston Bruins. Now, it is time to bring this to a close by covering the San Jose Sharks. Rejoice, and read on.
San Jose Sharks: 24-11-5, good for 53 points:
The Sharks are doing what they usually do, which is leading the Pacific Division. They have a three point lead on the next closest team, and a four game leeway as well. The Pacific is looking notably weaker, aside from San Jose, this season as well, which can only help the Sharks. They also have a plus-24 goal differential, which is quite strong, and they are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games.
Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau are tied for the team lead in points with 35. However, Marleau has 16 goals, while Thornton has eight. Of course, Thornton is a playmaker, so that isn't that surprising. Logan Couture leads the team in goals with 18. Dan Boyle has 23 points on defense, while Brent Burns has seven goals and 15 points. Speaking of offseason transitions, Martin Havlat had two goals and 15 points in 26 games before going down with an injury. I didn't like that trade for the Sharks when it happened, but I didn't expect it to be quite this bad.
In net, Antti Niemi is having another strong year. He had some injury issues early, but now he's played in 32 games and he has a .920 save percentage. Thomas Greiss has been fine in his limited action.
The Sharks will win the Pacific, as per usual, and they will hope to contend for the Stanley Cup again. It will be tough, with teams like the Canucks, Blackhawks, Red Wings, and perhaps the Blues as well, to contend with. However, San Jose remains one of the league's best teams, and they can't be counted out.
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