Are the Sharks The Team to Beat?

The NHL and its fan base has come to know the San Jose Sharks as a team that does well during the regular season but somehow fails to win the Stanley Cup year after year. It prompted changes by GM Doug Wilson over the years to bring in experienced veterans, as well as youngsters and speed players who can help play the game. This year, it seems the Sharks have one goal in mind: constantly attack the net.

The Sharks have old-timers in Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Dan Boyle and they have made changes by adding youngsters Tomas Hertl and Matt Nieto, as well as acquiring speedster Tyler Kennedy from the Pittsburgh Penguins. These changes have helped transform these Sharks into a high-energy and high-speed team.

This has also helped them because the Sharks are out to a 8-1-1 record.

Doug Wilson wanted the Sharks to be a better improved team and last year dealt away Ryane Clowe, who couldn't do anything with the team anymore, Douglas Murray, and Michal Handzus and gave more time to the youngsters who had better play like Tommy Wingels, Justin Braun, and Matt Irwin. He also acquired Raffi Torres, who is known for his fighting, as well as bringing energy to a team. The Sharks have even moved defenseman Brent Burns to the wing because of his speedy play and his offensive output.

As far as injuries, nothing has slowed them down. Even though Dan Boyle, Brent Burns, and Raffi Torres are out, this team continues to go. They even made a move for Mike Brown to make up for Torres' absence.

They average nearly 40 shots a game, an impressive record for a team that is constantly attacking and always on the offensive. They are ranked third in five-on-five play and sixth on the power play. Even head coach Todd McLellan has changed his style to adapt to the new rookies coming to the team.

"He wants to be more aggressive," said Joe Thornton. "He wants to smother teams."

So far they are. An 8-1-1 record with their only regulation loss at Boston is something to be proud of. But the question becomes: Are they the team to beat right now? Honestly, in a way, yes. I could also put the Avalanche in there because of the way they score and play defense. The Avalanche are mostly defense, as Patrick Roy emphasizes mainly goaltending and defense, while Todd McLellan does mainly offense. Either way, they are up there, but they share the team to beat scenario with the Avalanche. They'll go through rough patches at times, and every team does that at one point. But right now, the Sharks look solid in all areas and look like they have a fighting chance in the playoffs when the time comes.