Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Power Rankings #19: San Jose Sharks
The Sharks went from “screw you guys I hope Joe Thornton scores four goals against you” to “OK, you guys might know what you’re doing again” in a span of roughly nine months. That’s pretty impressive. They needed a goalie, so they gave the middle finger to their rivals (LA) by trading for their former backup goalie who the Kings didn’t want the Sharks to have. How can you NOT love a team like that (well unless you’re a Kings fan)?
They upgraded this season by signing Paul Martin to shore up their blueline. They also signed Joel Ward, who should have a positive effect on a team that struggles to win in the playoffs. The Sharks need rebound years from Patrick Marleau, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, and Tomas Hertl to really stand a chance at the NHL playoffs, but all three of those things are very possible.
Next: #18