San Jose Sharks: 10 Reasons They Can Win The Pacific

October 19, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Patrick Marleau (12), center Joe Pavelski (8, center) and center Joe Thornton (19) celebrate after Pavelski scored a goal against the Calgary Flames during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks defeated the Flames 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

2. Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau

At times I wonder if Sharks fans realize how lucky we are to have these two future Hall of Fame players suit up for our team. It’s easy to lay blame on them for previous failures, as they have been the leaders in San Jose for quite some time. Yet, there are no two players on the Sharks more vital to the success of this team than Thornton and Marleau. Night in and night out they are the Sharks best forwards on the ice. When I say night in and night out, I mean it too. Since coming to San Jose in the 05-06 season, Thornton has missed a total of 5 games. Since Marleau was drafted by the Sharks in 1997 he has only missed 31 games in his whole career with the team. That type of durability is hard to find in any sport, especially one as fast paced and physical as hockey.

There is no denying the impact that these two have on the ice, as well as the locker room. Both players were named alternate captains this season and that speaks volumes about their character after everything the organization put them through during the offseason. Personally, I support these two as leaders of this team, along with Pavelski and Vlasic now. Fans can carry on about who they think should be captain or alternate all they want. The fact of the matter is no opinion outside of the ones in the locker room really matter, these are our leaders and they earned their positions. Sharks fans should have the usual high expectations for these two this season, and they will keep this team in contention for a division title this year.