Sharks: Is Joe Pavelski the X-Factor?

Jan 17, 2012; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) skates with the puck past Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund (11) during the overtime period at HP Pavilion. San Jose defeated Calgary 2-1 in shootouts. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

With the Sharks’ season less than two days from beginning, the Sharks are sure ready to go. With a very lengthy break, almost 4 months, the Sharks are now looking to finally get at it – a quest for their first championship.

The Sharks, created in 1990, have always been deadly in the regular season, but appear to be mere fish when the playoffs arrive. They need someone to step up. Who will it be?

Although I think that Logan Couture could quite possibly be the leader in points this year, I don’t think he’ll be the X factor. He needs to be one of those consistent players – a player that the Sharks can always rely on. He proved that when he silenced all trade rumors by performing well in overtime.

I think the X Factor, this year, will need to be Joe Pavelski. He is now 28 years old, and still in his prime. If he can find ways to put the puck in the net, while playing good defense, i.e. pressuring the puck, then he should be a standout player for the Sharks. Last year, Pavelski scored many goals in the first month. After that, however, he became inconsistent. If Pavelski can rack up some points, he will be the difference in the games.

After the flop in the playoffs, losing to a very inconsistent and young team, don’t you think that hurts? Be 100% sure that Pavelski is going to come back strong. He hasn’t been in the league long enough to call himself a veteran, but down the stretch, in crunch time, he knows that he needs to be on the ice, doing all that he can. Last year in the playoffs, he played pretty well, but he wasn’t one of those players, who the Sharks were willing to keep out there.

Sometimes, in fact, he was a liability on the ice. Maybe some time in the KHL has boosted his confidence. I think Pavelski is in shape, and ready to play his heart out in 48 games. Remember, the Sharks could be the last seed, maybe the first as well. Anything can happen in a short season.

Pavelski, along with Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton all know that they need to step it up. Pavelski, however, is still only 28, and can be explosive, and really efficient on the floor. He needs to step it up this year.