Pros & Cons: Colorado Avalanche vs San Jose Sharks
Our newest feature, Pros and Cons, holds a debate between two of our featured writers as they make an argument for each team in the series. We will continue this series throughout the playoffs as we delve deeper into how these two teams will interact.
San Jose Sharks by Alexander Monaghan
The San Jose Sharks held an almost unbeatable record at home during the regular season, losing only eight games in regulation. A home ice advantage certainly should weight in their favor despite consistent speculation of yet another early playoff exit.
To win this series, the “Burger Line” of Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton and Dany Heatley need to play a consistently strong offensive game. Those three forwards accounted for 40 percent of the Shark’s offense during the regular season. Thornton notched two assists in three games; Marleau five points in four games and Heatley four points in as many games.
Both teams won two games against each other but starting goaltender Evgeni Nabokov went 1-2 while backup Thomas Greiss played decently against the young Avalanche team. Most intriguing would be his 3.62 GAA against the Avs which will simply not win this series if his 2.82 GAA of last season’s first round exit shows any indicator.
To win every impact player must play on all cylinders.
Over the past offseason this powerhouse team reworked both their coaching staff and their forward corps. Instead of relying on Devin Setoguchi to consistently carry an offensive load, they turned to the two-time 50 goal scorer Heatley. New coach Todd McLellan should feel confident despite their past playoff blunders.
Colorado Avalanche by Anthony Curatolo
A young team with tons of potential in moving forward has created a season worthy playoffs contention for the Avalanche.
Even with them backing into the post-season, they are there. With one of the youngest rosters in the league, that is the one downfall for this team. The lack of playoff experience could wind up biting the Avalanche where the sun don’t shine against a power house like the San Jose Sharks.
Team leader in points, Paul Stastny, is the first name that comes to mind when you think about this Avalanche team. Outside of rising stars like Ryan O’Reilly, Brandon Yip, T.J. Galiardi, Chris Stewart, Peter Mueller and Calder trophy candidate Matt Duchene, there are veteran members of this team that have the ability to push the team when they need a boost.
Milan Hejduk has been to the big dance before. He is a key element in this series for the Avalanche. As well as Adam Foote with two cup rings and for leadership purposes so does Stephane Yelle.
Craig Anderson has a tough ask ahead. Posting a record of 38-25-7 as a first year full time number one goaltender speaks in volumes. His 2.64 goals against average and .917 save percentage are respectable numbers but if the Avs plan on giving the Sharks a run for their money, it all will rest on his shoulders.
Will the Avs give the Sharks a reason to overhaul this off-season?
