The New Pacific Preview: San Jose Sharks

2013 Stats

Record:

The Sharks finished 25-16-7 in the lockout-shortened season, good enough to make the playoffs as a sixth seed in the Western Conference (two points behind the Kings and nine points behind the Ducks). Against the Ducks, the Sharks went 3-2-0 with one win coming in a shootout at the beginning of the season.

Leading Scorers:

Captain Joe Thornton (7+33=40) led the Sharks in points with 40 — most of which came in the form of assists (33). Young forward Logan Couture (21+16=37) led the team in goals with 21, while Dan Boyle (7+13=20) led all defensemen on the team with 7 goals. Against the Ducks, Joe Pavelski (3+1=4) led the Sharks in goals (3) and points (4).

Goaltending:

Antti Niemi had a great season and earned a Vezina Trophy Nomination for his 2.16 GAA and .924 SV%. Niemi earned all three of the San Jose wins over the Ducks while notching one loss. Backup Thomas Greiss was 1-4-1 in his six games played and lost his only start against the Ducks.

Power Play:

The Sharks had the seventh best power play in the league, converting on 20.1 percent of their chances. Against the Ducks, San Jose managed to score on only one power play in 19 attempts — an ugly 5.26 PP%.

Penalty Kill:

San Jose was tops in the old Pacific Division (sixth in the league) with an 85.0 penalty kill percentage. The Sharks were even better against the Ducks killing all 17 of the Ducks power play opportunities.

Key Additions:

The Sharks didn't make too many deals, as they wisely spent their money re-signing Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski to five-year contract extensions. They did add former Pittsburgh Penguin Tyler Kennedy, and defenseman Scott Hannan was re-signed after coming over in a trade from Nashville at the deadline last year.

A somewhat shocking three-year contract was dealt to the notorious Raffi Torres (Boooooo!!!).

Goalie prospect Alex Stalock was given a one-year contract and looks to be in the running for the open position as the No. 2 goalie behind Niemi.

Key Losses:

In the offseason the Sharks lost Scott Gomez (Florida), Tim Kennedy (Phoenix), Dominic Moore (New York Rangers) and Thomas Greiss (Phoenix). There is some depth scoring lost here, but the additionTyler Kennedy should make up for it.

The biggest loss seems to be goaltender Thomas Greiss. Greiss was a decent backup to Antti Niemi, but losing him leaves a huge gap that San Jose has yet to officially fill.

Season Series:

The Ducks will play the Sharks five times this season (two home, three away) including one nationally televised game (NBCSN) at the end of the season.

Sat. Nov. 30 @ Sharks 7:30 p.m., Prime Ticket

Sun. Dec. 29 @ Sharks 7:30 p.m., NHLN - CA / Prime Ticket

Tues. Dec. 31 vs Sharks 5:00 p.m., Prime Ticket

Thur. Mar. 20 @ Sharks 7:30 p.m., Prime Ticket

Wed. Apr. 9 vs Sharks 7:30 p.m., TSN2 / NBC Sports Network