2005 SAN JOSE SHARKS PREVIEW

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2005-06 San Jose Sharks preview

(MySportsbook.com) - The San Jose Sharks didn't do much during the NHL's abbreviated offseason, at least from the standpoint of player additions.

Instead, general manager Doug Wilson focused his efforts on re-signing key components like Patrick Marleau, Marco Sturm, Brad Stuart, Wayne Primeau and Kyle McLaren. At the same time, the club said goodbye to veterans like Mike Ricci, Vincent Damphousse, Mike Rathje, Todd Harvey and Curtis Brown.
The departure of the veterans will allow head coach Ron Wilson to see what his younger players can do. Forwards Milan Michalek and Marcel Goc are highly regarded, as are defensemen Christian Ehrhoff, Doug Murray and Matt Carkner.

There are holes to be filled, and the team's success may hinge upon how well the replacements do.
Wilson, meanwhile, is among the game's top benchmen, something he showed by bringing the Sharks from the depths of the Pacific to the division title and a conference final spot in 03-04. He helped build the Ducks and Capitals into viable playoff squads, leading Washington to a Cup Finals berth in 1998. Now he's trying to do the same with San Jose, where it can be argued that he has more to work with.

FORWARDS - Marleau, 26, is one of the NHL's rising stars, coming off back-to-back 57-point seasons. The Sharks' captain also stepped it up in the spring, tallying eight goals and four assists during the club's playoff run to the West finals. Marleau has the combination of blazing speed and a 220-pound frame that makes him extremely difficult to defend.

Sturm doesn't have Marleau's size, but definitely is light on his skates. He has blossomed into a star the past three NHL season, including a 21-goal, 20- assist effort in 64 games in 03-04. Sturm spent last year playing in Germany and had a terrific season for ERC Ingolstadt.
Jonathan Cheechoo was a goal-scoring machine during his Junior days in the OHL and, after a season in the minors and a taste of action with the Sharks, he erupted in 03-04. Cheechoo tallied 28 goals and 19 assists in 81 games.

Alyn McCauley and Primeau help give the Sharks depth down the middle after Marleau. McCauley was acquired from the Maple Leafs in the Owen Nolan trade a few years back, and fit right in with San Jose. He tallied 20 goals and 27 assists in 82 games during 03-04, after managing only 36 markers in his previous six seasons. Primeau, meanwhile, fits the role at the team's checking center nicely, and will become very important with the departure of former Selke finalist Ricci.

Nils Ekman was never more than a spare part in the Lightning and Ranger organizations, but was given an opportunity with the Sharks in 03-04. He responded with 22 goals and a club-high 33 assists. Scott Thornton, meanwhile, will help provide a physical edge on the third line next to Primeau.
Overall, the Sharks sport one of the fastest forward corps in the league, something that could help them thrive under the new rules.

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DEFENSE - With Rathje out of the picture, the Sharks will be without a guy who can log quality minutes in any situation. Making matters worse, they didn't replace him with anyone from the free agent market.
This will put tremendous pressure on Brad Stuart, Scott Hannan and Kyle McLaren.
Stuart was the third-overall pick in the 1998 Entry Draft, and has been maligned at times during his tenure with the Sharks. In 03-04 he tallied nine goals and 30 assists in 77 games, including five scores and 14 assists on the power play. Stuart does have some defensive deficiencies to speak of, so he won't come close to giving you what Rathje did all-around.

Hannan's stock has risen in recent years, and he has caught the eye of Hockey Canada. The 6-1, 220-pounder represented Canada at last year's World Cup and is under consideration for the upcoming Olympics. Hannan led the Sharks in average ice time in 03-04, and Wilson was comfortable enough in his ability during the playoffs that he was matched up against Jarome Iginla, Peter Forsberg and Keith Tkachuk quite often.

McLaren enters his second full season with the Sharks after being acquired from Boston in 02-03. He battled injury in 03-04, but scored two goals with 22 assists in 64 games and was a plus-10. McLaren is a nasty, stay-at-home guy who likes using his 6-4, 225-pound frame as a weapon.
Tom Preissing, Jim Fahey and Christian Ehrhoff will also be in the mix as well. Overall, the Sharks' blueline corps is solid, but how much Rathje will be missed remains to be seen.

GOALTENDING - Evgeni Nabakov enters his fifth season as San Jose's starter after coming out of obscurity early in the 2000-01 season. He bounced back from an off year in 03-04, going 31-19-8 with a 2.21 goals-against average and .921 save percentage in 59 appearances (58 starts). Nabokov has been an All- Star and Calder Trophy winner. If the Sharks are to continue their progress, he can't afford an off season.
Vesa Toskala will again serve as Nabokov's backup. He beat out Mikka Kiprusoff for the job last NHL season and, although Kiprusoff went on to star for Calgary, Toskala performed admirably. He finished 03-04 with a 12-8-4 record, 2.06 GAA and .930 save percentage in 28 games (24 starts).

WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE - The Sharks remain the frontrunners in a Pacific Division that will likely be improved this season. They are widely regarded as the NHL's fastest club, something that will pay dividends under the new rules. Doug Wilson took a gamble by not making any premium signings over the summer, but we can't judge that until next spring. Right now, with the raw talent on this roster, you have to give him the benefit of the doubt.

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