NHL Power Rankings: Lightning strikes, Flames burn out

7. San Jose Sharks (+3)

The San Jose Sharks have been on a roll of late. Everything seems to be working well and the Sharks look ready to go on another long playoff run. It has been two seasons since the Sharks made their Stanley Cup Final appearance and with a busy offseason ahead with free agents this is the year for the Sharks to go all in. The Sharks have been able to ride a revitalized offense and strong goaltending all the way to the second spot in the Pacific Division. If the season ended today, the Sharks would open the playoffs against the Anaheim Ducks. This series would be a physical battle with two heavy teams. It would be an even series, but the Sharks have the advantage on offense.

The San Jose Sharks just saw their eight-game winning streak come to an end Tuesday as they lost to the St. Louis Blues in a shootout. Before that loss, the Sharks beat the New Jersey Devils, Vegas Golden Knights, Calgary Flames and Chicago Blackhawks. It won’t be easy, but the San Jose Sharks have the opportunity to catch the Vegas Golden Knight for the top seed in the Pacific Division. They currently sit five points back with five games to go. The Sharks’ remaining schedule is relatively friendly the rest of the way. They open with two big games against the Nashville Predators and Vegas Golden Knights. Then they close the season out at home against the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild.