The San Jose Sharks have once again started the season on an absolute tear, but will they once again finish the season in disappointment?
A month into the season, the Sharks hold the best record in the NHL at 10-1-1. They have been getting contributions from all over the roster, most significantly from a makeshift line of veteran Joe Thornton, breakout rookie Tomas Hertl and defenseman-converted-winger Brent Burns.
Sharks fans have plenty of reasons to be happy so far, but will it continue? This year could be San Jose's best chance to finally take home Lord Stanley's Cup, but several obstacles may stand in the way.
Staying Consistent on Both Sides of the Puck
The Sharks lead the NHL in goals scored and are third-best in goals against, trailing only the Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins. It goes without saying that they have easily the best goal differential in hockey with a plus-28.
When a team is solid in all facets of the game, good things happen.Very good things happen.
San Jose was terrific defensively in 2013, but the offense did not come through like it has so far this year. The Sharks need to keep up the potent offense while maintaining an air-tight defense in order to remain one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup.
Patrick Marleau Staying Hot
Marleau started out the 2013 season on one of the hottest streaks the game has ever seen, scoring nine goals over his first five games. His start, however, came to a screeching halt, as did the Sharks'. San Jose had won its first seven games, but lost the following seven after Marleau cooled off.
This year, Marleau has started the season on the right foot again, and while he is not shattering any records, he is still the top scorer on the team a month into the season.
San Jose needs him to keep playing at a consistent pace and lead the team to greener pastures.
Winning on the Road
This is far and above the biggest obstacle for a Stanley Cup run in San Jose. Last year, the Sharks were an incredible 17-2-5 at home but a dismal 8-14-2 on the road.
The trend continued in the playoffs. San Jose swept its first round series with the Vancouver Canucks, but were taken out by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round in a series where the home team won all seven games. They finished the postseason with a 5-0 record at home, but only a 2-3 record in away games.
Home ice advantage is normally a small factor at best, but it seems as if the Sharks are two different teams at home and on the road.
This year, the Sharks have played well no matter what ice they have skated on. They are currently 5-0-0 at home (if you're keeping track that's 27-2-5 dating back to the start of last season) and 5-1-1 on the road. They will need to continue to win away from home in order to have a shot at hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2014.