Unsung Heroes of the Regular Season for the San Jose Sharks

With the first round less than 24 hours away, which unlikely hero will make some noise in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the San Jose Sharks?

We all know the engines that drive the San Jose Sharks explosive offense and lock-down defense.

Brent Burns, a firm Norris Trophy candidate with a team-high 83 points, is the veteran catalyst on the back end, carrying a heavy, imperative load in even-strength and special teams play.

The centering specialists of Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl wield a trifecta of unswerving strength and swift stick-handling to the solid foundation of San Jose’s top-six.

Timo Meier and Evander Kane, who registered career-high goal totals this season, are the speedy and sturdy wingers that can turn on the jets during an odd-man rush or grind tirelessly for pucks deep in enemy territory.

And who could forget two-time Norris Trophy winner and elite Swedish defenseman Erik Karlsson, who missed 18 of the last 19 regular season games due to his reaggravated groin injury?

On the bright side, Karlsson recorded a healthy +3 and a 22:01 TOI in the 5-2 victory over the Avalanche in the regular season finale. Without a doubt, Karlsson will be a beast on the blue line when the Golden Knights roll into town Wednesday night.

While the San Jose Sharks prepare for the playoff rematch with Vegas, there are a few overlooked pieces that have some more fuel to throw into the fire after glowing in the dark all season long.