With 17 games remaining, the San Jose Sharks currently hold down the top spot in the Western Conference.
After compiling a 42-14-9 record up until this point in the season, San Jose holds a slim two point lead over the second place Chicago Blackhawks and with 93 points the Sharks are nearly a lock to finish no worse than second in the conference.
Considering the Sharks have a nine point lead and a game in hand over the third place Vancouver Canucks, only a major collapse would prevent a top-2 seed for San Jose.
But with another impressive regular season coming to a close for the Sharks, fans are beginning to wonder whether this year's team can match up with fellow Stanley Cup contenders.
While the Sharks clearly match up with any team in the league on paper, the on ice play of their defensive corps has not lived up to expectations.
Outside of Douglas Murray and Dan Boyle, the entire Sharks defensive corps is limited in their effectiveness.
The trio of veteran defensemen Kent Huskins, Niclas Wallin and Jay Leach all bring average defensive abilities to the table, but neither demonstrate impressive physical play ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Andy Bensch
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