Despite how much coaches and players may try to downplay it, it is always important when you play a defending World Champion in any sport. Wednesday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks will certainly fit that bill for the San Jose Sharks.
However, beyond the novelty and excitement that comes with facing the defending champs, and the game's role as an important measuring stick for both teams, the game should take on special significance for the Sharks—for a variety of reasons.
Like the Blackhawks, the Sharks entered the season as strong favorites to again compete deep into the coming playoff tournament. Also like the Blackhawks, the Sharks have been lack luster and inconsistent out of the gate in 2010-2011, making this game an important barometer of progress for both organizations.
Even more than that, Wednesday's match with the Blackhawks serves as a rematch of sorts between last year's Western Conference Finals combatants. The stakes are paltry by comparison, but rest assured that the Sharks and their fans have not forgotten the sting of a Conference Finals sweep that ended their dreams of glory in 2010.
The core of both rosters has rema ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Patrick Goulding II
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November 23rd, 2010 by Patrick Goulding II Leave a reply »
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