NHL News & Rumors: Why the San Jose Sharks Are Primed for a Deep Playoff Run

The San Jose Sharks have all of the makings to be a legitimate Stanley Cup contender this season.

The San Jose Sharks enter Monday currently seated third in the Western Conference. After hitting a little bit of a rough patch earlier in the month, the Sharks appear to be back on track with a three-game winning streak.

The Sharks have been led by a balanced scoring attack on offense, boasting eight players with at least 34 points (Devin Setoguchi, Dan Boyle, Logan Couture, Ryane Clowe, Joe Pavelski, Dany Heatley, Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton).

This will no doubt help them in the playoffs when teams' best forwards are pitted against the opposition's best defenders. Not to mention, it is often an unsung hero who makes the biggest contribution in the playoffs.

The Sharks also possess good, experienced goaltending. The acquisition of former Chicago Blackhawks goalie Antti Niemi should pay dividends in the postseason. Although he is only in his second full season in the NHL, last year's run to a Stanley Cup title is invaluable experience.

Although experience is very important, the Sharks have a good balance of young and old players on the roster. There are seasoned veterans such as Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley. Then there are also players like Logan Couture who could very well end up winning the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year.

This balance is important in the playoffs, because not only is experience paramount, but having energy and fresh legs is also vital. More often than not, the younger players are the ones who can add a spark to the lineup.

The last ingredient that the Sharks have is Dan Boyle, a top-tier defenseman. In the playoffs, teams need to have that lock-down defender who can eat up plenty of ice time. Thus far, Boyle is averaging 26:35 a game. Expect to see that number increase by a few minutes once the postseason begins.

San Jose has all the makings of a Stanley Cup team, so Sharks fans should be eager for the playoffs to begin next month. 

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