5 Lessons Sharks Can Learn from Avalanche

Compared to the Colorado Avalanche, the San Jose Sharks may as well be playing in another league.

While the dynasty-minded Stanley Cup champions may just be denting their ceiling, the Sharks are three years and running out of the playoffs. Underscoring that, the Sharks have a 2-10-1 record against the Avalanche in the last three seasons.

But of course, not that long ago, it was the San Jose Sharks that were up and the Avalanche that were down. In 2016-17, the Sharks were coming off their franchise-first Stanley Cup Final appearance, while the Avalanche endured the second-worst campaign in the salary cap era. Colorado’s .293 points percentage that year was only better than the Detroit Red Wings’ .275 in 2019-20.

But what’s past is past: There’s so much that can’t be undone, be it the Erik Karlsson or Evander Kane extensions, not trading their stars at optimal times, and more.

Instead, let’s look toward the future: How can the San Jose Sharks replicate the Avalanche’s path to the Stanley Cup? What are some of the pivotal decisions that the Sharks might have to face soon, and how can they look toward the 2022 champs for guidance?

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