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The way I see it, there are 9 teams that have a realistic shot at finishing in 7th or 8th place in the Western Conference and playing the Sharks in the first round of the playoffs. Looking at the Sharks chances against each of these teams:

Vancouver: I think most would agree that the Canucks are one of the hottest teams in the league right now. The Canucks dominated the Sharks in a 3-1 win on March 7. The combination of the will-power of Mats Sundin and Roberto Luongo will spell trouble and a first round elimination for the Sharks.

Columbus: The CBJs have been the toughest consistent opponent for the Sharks this season. Two OT losses in Columbus were real struggles. The Sharks’ inability to win in Columbus or when it matters the most is a reason I don’t think the Sharks have what it takes to beat the Blue Jackets in a 7 game series.

Edmonton: Dwayne Roloson could beat the Sharks by himself in a 7 game series. Literally, by himself, no forwards necessary and he’d make a save on a delayed penalty call that would rebound into the Sharks empty net for a 1-0 victory for himself 4 times. Definitely no Oilers in the first round.

Nashville: It’s really hard to keep beating a team over and over in the playoffs. Nashville wants to beat us badly. They were also the first team to beat San Jose at home this season. There’s no way the Sharks would beat Nashville again in a playoff series.

Minnesota: The Sharks can’t hold a lead against this team. They’ve blown a three goal lead 2 separate times this season against the Wild. Owen Nolan always plays the Sharks tough and won’t lose to them again after the Calgary series last year. Minnesota in an easy 4-1 win.

Dallas: Dallas plays the best in San Jose out of any NHL team. The Sharks were completely outmatched by the Stars in the playoffs last year. The returns of Brendan Morrow and Brad Richards along with the stellar second half play of Marty Turco would be too much for the Sharks to handle.

Anaheim: Chris Pronger and Teemu Selanne always step up in big games against the Sharks. The Ducks have been counted out all season and a rally into the playoffs would give them momentum the Sharks would not be able to overcome.

St. Louis: The Blues still want revenge from the times the Sharks ousted them as the 8 seed. What better way than to do the same to them 8 years later? Two losses to the Blues in St. Louis this season aren’t a good sign.

Los Angeles: The cinderella of the NHL. The Kings would need to finish strong to make the playoffs. The Sharks have beaten the Kings all 4 times they’ve met so far this season. The Kings are due and if they manage to squeak into the playoffs, lookout San Jose!
Any way you shake it, the Sharks aren’t going to even make it passed round 1 this season. It’s probably for the best as I couldn’t handle another 2nd round exit. This team just doesn’t have what it takes to succeed in the playoffs. This team just isn’t built like all the past Stanley Cup winners. You don’t hear about this team being built for the Cup like you did about the Hurricanes, Lightning, and Ducks of the past.
March 13, 2009 2:18 AM ET | Delete
Do your homework before you share your opinion, you're an idiot. Are you really comparing the team of today against a healthy line up? I'm not saying look past every team you mentioned but quit being so negative. You suck as a writer, consider a profession of manual labor.
March 13, 2009 9:59 AM ET | Delete
Clearly the sarcasm was lost on you.
March 13, 2009 6:26 PM ET | Delete
I do not understand how that was sarcasm. I won't call you an idiot by any stretch, but you need to fix your writing style to better convey sarcasm.
March 17, 2009 5:32 PM ET | Delete
hey at least someone is writing something about the sharks....good or bad....i'll take it.
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