Stanley Cup Playoff Preview - San Jose vs. Dallas

The San Jose Sharks avoided a monumental upset in the opening round of the playoffs, and a run at the Stanley Cup is back in focus now that they've survived and advanced.

The Sharks came into the postseason as the Pacific Division champs and were a heavy favorite against Calgary. After all, San Jose was the NHL's hottest team in the second half of the season, posting an 18-0-2 stretch at one point.

Still, the Flames made San Jose play out the string before the Sharks capped the series in Game 7 on their home ice.

The Sharks have been pegged as playoff underachievers in recent years, and it's hard to dispute that claim. After reaching the Western Conference finals in 2004, San Jose has been bounced out in the second round in back-to-back seasons.

However, San Jose's regular seasons have been excellent over the last four years, as the team has averaged 104.5 points in those campaigns. With a stretch of seasons like that, it's easy to see why the Sharks have been considered a disappointing team in the playoffs.

This year the Sharks set a franchise-record with 108 points, and expectations are at an all-time high.

The biggest reason for San Jose's status as a legitimate Cup contender is the presence of the NHL's premier playmaker in centerman Joe Thornton. The 2005-06 Hart Trophy winner had another excellent season with the Sharks this year, posting 96 points (29 goals, 67 assists) while playing in all 82 games. All told, Thornton has notched 302 points in 222 games with the Sharks after being traded by Boston early in the 2005-06 season.

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