Are the upcoming playoffs in fact the last shot San Jose has at winning hockey’s Holy Grail? Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
We’ve all heard and seen it time and time again: the countless hopes and enthusiasm of the San Jose Sharks winning their first Stanley Cup followed by years of disappointment, and if this year gives the team and us Sharks fans the same result, the number of years without a Cup will climb up to 23.
So, the age-old window question that’s been asked basically all season remains: are the upcoming playoffs in fact the last shot San Jose has at winning hockey’s Holy Grail?
With the old core only getting older, I say yes. Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau may have signed extensions for three more years in San Jose, but they won’t be around for long. Dan Boyle and the front office still have not agreed to terms on his contract extension, which is a strong sign that he could be out of San Jose this offseason.
While Jumbo and Patty are still supplements to the Sharks’ offensive scoring, it’s obvious that the new core is ready to step up to their respective roles. Joe Pavelski‘s had a career year and will look to only continue progressing. Logan Couture just keeps getting better and better. Tomas Hertl‘s already proven to be a very good offensive force for San Jose.
It’s going to be a very interesting offseason for the Sharks regardless of whether they win the Cup, but I think this for sure is the last chance they have to win the Cup before having to wait a couple more years.