The San Jose Sharks knocked off a cup favourite in the L.A. Kings in the first round, captain Joe Pavelski led the way with 7 points in 6 games. The Sharks may have their best team in years as both Joe's (Thornton and Pavelski) are firing on all cylinders along with an extremely deep forward core. The defence is equally impressive with Brent Burns and Marc- Edouard Vlasic lead the way. Goaltending is the only unproven spot in the Sharks line-up as both James Reimer and starter Martin Jones lack playoff experience. On the flip side Nashville might have their best team to date, Pekka Rinne is as impressive as always, and the defensive core led by captain Shea Weber that plays in front of him is as formidable as any in the league today. The biggest difference with this Predators squad and ones of years past is the offence, Ryan Johansen, Filip Forsberg and James Neal lead the Predators deepest forward group in a long time. The question is can it keep up with the cup starved Sharks?
Advantage: San Jose Sharks
Reason: A healthy mix of veterans and youth will propel San Jose past a Nashville team that I believe is still 2-3 years away from seriously competing for the Stanley Cup Championship.
Those are just my thoughts, what are yours? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to share and follow the page!
