5 reasons why San Jose Sharks will win Stanley Cup

The San Jose Sharks only finished second in the Pacific Division in the regular season, but here’s why they’ll win it all in the NHL postseason.

Years of playoff disappointments and an aging core might have had fans thinking the Sharks’ window is closed, but a youth movement and a group of resurgent stars have given the team its first 100-point season since 2013-14.

After San Jose missed the playoffs in 2015, it would’ve been completely reasonable for them to rebuild considering the past playoff losses and the age and contract status of some of their stars. In an alternate reality, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Brent Burns, Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton could have been traded or allowed to leave in free agency.

General manager Doug Wilson’s decision to rebuild on the fly instead of tearing it all down paid off with the Sharks’ third consecutive playoff appearance. Here are five reasons why it may turn out to be their best one yet.

5. Joe Pavelski

Veteran center and Sharks captain Joe Pavelski will be key to any Cup run by San Jose. His 65 points this season tied for the Sharks’ team lead. Pavelski has scored the fifth-most goals in the NHL since the 2013-14 season.

In last year’s first round playoff loss, Pavelski’s ice time rose 2:05 from his regular season average. He had 0:58 more ice time in the Sharks’ run to the Stanley Cup Final two years ago.

Coach Peter DeBoer is not shy about getting Pavelski extra shifts when the games count. Expect more of the same when the Stanley Cup playoffs begin.