Can the Sharks Keep Rolling?

Mar 30, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) takes a shot during the shootout against the Phoenix Coyotes at the HP Pavilion. The San Jose Sharks defeated the Phoenix Coyotes 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

So far this season, the Sharks have been pretty inconsistent. It started with the 7-0 start, followed by 0-7 the next seven games. That’s pretty weird if you ask me. Lately, however, the Sharks have seemed to be getting back on track, and inconsistency has left the roster. Knocking on wood, how did the Sharks do it? Can they keep it up? And do they actually have a legit shot at the Cup this year?

How They Did It:

First of all, the Sharks decided to move Brent Burns to the forward position, and this has really gotten the offensive to start flowing. He scored three goals in a row, and it’s seemingly benefiting Joe Pavelski, who has now scored in 4 straight games. Other players like Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau are still playing at their high level, and getting more opportunities to put the puck in the net. Even Tommy Wingels seemed to benefit when he contributed 3 points in the 4-0 shutout of Anaheim.

Because they moved Burns to the forward position, they really opened up their offensive game, which was struggling. Antti Neimi has also been playing at a star status, so that helps the Sharks really close teams out.

Keeping it Up:

Well, the season may seem like it’s only 1/4 of the way done, but its almost 3/4 of the way there. Unfortunately for the Sharks, they haven’t had quite the season that they would have wanted. Their offense never really clicked like it was supposed to, and it’s happening now. This is why they’re at 6th place in the West. Not bad, but then again, not exactly where they want to be. If they keep this rotation going, and maybe trade Ryan Clowe for someone a bit more useful, they’ll be able to continue to advance up the standings. Easily.

Shot at the Cup:

Right now, it’s not easy to say if team have a shot at the Cup. Other than the Blackhawks, there is no definition of who a good team is, especially because the season is only 48 games long. If the Sharks get to the postseason, which is likely, they’re going to do some damage to the Wild, Ducks, or whoever they play. It’s a matter of veterans combined with youthful energy.

They always seem to be deadly in the regular season, but falter in the playoffs. This has been a recurring pattern that many have seen in the Sharks. If they can find a way to stay hot in the playoffs, they may cool down their opponents to get their foots in the door. The Cup can be seen from down the road.

The Sharks are legitimate this season, and are looking better than ever in these past games. If Joe Pavelski stays on his game and continues to score, he’ll lead the Sharks to more and more wins. I know that he’s capable of doing it, but the Sharks really need to be behind him in their chance to capitalize on this lengthy homestand, which is almost over.