San Jose Sharks: Take Grit Over Speed!

The San Jose Sharks are known for two things in the hockey world. One is speed; the other is premature playoff exits. It is time to accept that the two go hand-in-hand. As the old adage goes, will beats skill. For Sharks fans, I give fair warning: I am about to re-hash all of these exits yet again. Please scroll down below the bullet points and continue. In the second round of 2006, a hit by Raffi Torres took then-leading goal scorer Milan Michalek out of the playoffs. Edmonton went on to win in overtime and the Sharks did not win another game. In the second round of 2007, Patrick Marleau ignored his defensive responsibilities, leading to a goal by Robert Lang with the Sharks 35 seconds away from taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. The Red Wings went on to win in overtime and the Sharks did not win another game. In the second round of 2008, Marleau lept out of the way of a shot, blocking his goalie's view rather than blocking the shot. The Stars went on to win in overtime and ...