Two or Three sentences describing Sharks Western Conference Foes…
As a Sharks fan you come to know that each year team teal faces challenges from 14 different teams in the Western Conference. Some of these franchises have had either a greater or lesser degree of success through the years. How do I as a Sharks fan look at each team? I see each team a little different than the other, depending on the success they have had against the Sharks, and even if the franchise has won a Cup since the Sharks came into existence 20 years ago. This is just how I see each of these teams, your view or thoughts may be different. Though there are teams I even at times dislike, I still respect them. I should, some of them have rings.
Without further ado, here is how I view all the Sharks opponents in the Western Conference, Starting with the Pacific Division:
PACIFIC DIVISION
Anaheim Ducks – Clearly the most promenent arch rival for the Sharks on the West Coast. They have always played the Sharks tough and have something the Sharks are chasing. The Ducks have always been that “fly in the oinment” for team teal…
Los Angeles Kings – These are NOT your father’s LA Kings (unless he was there when Gretzky was there). Dean Lombardi has turned this franchise around into a top contender in the West…
Phoenix Coyotes – Also have had two consecutive seasons of great success. Team is good, but is also hindered by ownership in flux and financial problems…
Dallas Stars – Always a “thorn in the side” for the Sharks. Despite two straight seasons out of the playoffs, still will give a team all it can handle on any given night…
CENTRAL DIVISION
Detroit Red Wings-“The Gold Standard” is how I refer to them. Everyone wants to be like them, and even the Sharks have modeled themselves to be more like the Wings (thanks to Todd McLellan)…
Chicago Blackhaws – Won their first Stanley Cup after a 49 year drought in 2009-10 season. The ‘Hawks have one of the strongest core groups in the league…
Nashville Predators – At times an entertaining team, advanced to 2nd round of playoffs for the first time last year. Keeping UFA’s is a huge problem for this franchise…
St.Louis Blues – The Blues are a classic “HOT/COLD” team. The Blues can get hot with the best of them at times, but once they turn cold they stay cold and tend to lose traction by Feb/March…
Columbus Blue Jackets – Reached playoffs for first time two years ago, however it seems this team always plays the roll of a project at times. Strong off season editions may help this year, we’ll see…
NORTHWEST DIVISION
Vancouver Canucks-Showed the Sharks the door last May, has a good core group coming back. Will challenge the Sharks, Detroit and Chicago again for Western supremacy…
Calgary Flames – History of good games vs Sharks. One of the tougher teams to play, they have a strong veteran presents and seemingly are never out of games…
Colorado Avalanche – The ‘Avs has had some hard years after a period of strong success from 1996 to 2006. Young core has work cut out for it…
Minnesota Wild – Always an interesting team. Not the best players, but some of the hardest working ones. Though outmatched some nights, the Wild will still bring the fight…
Edmonton Oilers – A once proud franchise in full rebuilding mode has it’s eyes on the future. They are about 3 to 4 years away, but have some of the best young talent in the NHL…
The King Shark
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