My Sharks’ Playoff Rooting Guide

Which former Sharks are you rooting for this spring?

Now that the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is underway, we have the opportunity to take a look at which teams that San Jose Sharks fans could/should be rooting for.

Here’s my list, in order:

1. Obviously, the Florida Panthers are at the top of the list for Sharks fans everywhere. As far as an explanation for this being at the top, do you really need a reason other than Joe Thornton? Getting to watch Jumbo lift the cup would be the saving grace for Sharks fans this season. If that’s not enough, Mason Marchment is the son of former Shark defenseman and current development coach Bryan Marchment.

2. However, if you need a second team to watch, Joe Pavelski and the Dallas Stars should also top your list. “Captain America” has been putting up the numbers for the Stars this season, finishing the regular season with 81 points in 82 games. The former San Jose Sharks captain is giving fans a reason to continue cheering for Dallas following the brief alliance between the two fan bases.

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3. Jake Middleton endeared himself to the Sharks community this season, and his trade to the Minnesota Wild is still fresh in the minds of fans. At the trade deadline, Middleton was given the opportunity to chase the cup with the Wild, and fans of Team Teal should continue to support him in green. Original Shark Dean Evason is the Wild’s head coach too.

4. With three former San Jose Sharks on their roster, the New York Rangers give Sharks fans plenty to root for this postseason. Jonny Brodzinski, Justin Braun, and everybody’s favorite overtime goal scorer Barclay Goodrow are all in the hunt for a deep run with the Rangers. Brodzinski spent just one season with the Sharks organization and hasn’t yet appeared in a playoff game for the Rangers, but there is no doubt that some of Sharks Territory would be happy to see him get his moment with the Cup. On the other hand, Braun spent nine years with the Sharks and is another example of a player fans would like to see succeed. The final of the trio, Goodrow has seen his name twice engraved on the Cup, but this would mark his third in as many years. Goodrow solidified his place in the hearts of Sharks fans in 2019, and there is no doubt he has plenty of support here in 2022.

5. The Calgary Flames have two Sharks connections in forward Ryan Carpenter (a fan favorite for the Barracuda) and former San Jose head coach Darryl Sutter. While Sutter has yet to utilize Carpenter in the playoffs, fans of the Sharks organization may want to watch the Flames. They may be a team to cheer for as the playoffs roll on.

6. Another Shark moved at the trade deadline was Andrew Cogliano, who is now a member of the powerhouse Colorado Avalanche. Having spent just 56 games in teal, Cogliano earned the respect of his teammates, the fans, and the organization in San Jose. When the opportunity became available to move to a team that was hot on the trail of a deep run in playoffs, there was no desire to hold him back from it.

7. The Los Angeles Kings have two former members of Sharks Territory serving on their coaching staff. Former San Jose Sharks head coach Todd McLellan is the current head coach in LA, while former Sharks forward Marco Sturm is serving as an assistant coach.

8. The Tampa Bay Lightning feature original Shark Rob Zettler behind the bench as an assistant coach. Zettler was also an assistant in San Jose from 2002 to 2008 and 2017 to 2019.

9. The Boston Bruins have a decent performer in Charlie Coyle, and though he never officially played a game as a Shark, we can thank the San Jose 2010 first-round pick for being an asset that helped acquire Brent Burns a decade ago.

10. Former San Jose Sharks assistant coach Jay Woodcroft won the Stanley Cup in 2008 as a video coach for the Detroit Red Wings. This year, he is pursuing a cup as the head coach of an Edmonton Oilers team that also features former Sharks forward Evander Kane. Both are having notable performances with the Oilers and will make a push to reach hockey’s ultimate prize.

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

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IN OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

The @SanJoseSharks are excited to nominate Matt Nieto for the NHL's 21-22 King Clancy Award for his commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging through his passionate support of persons with disabilities. Way to go, Matt!

Learn more: https://t.co/bNEO7nFuoY pic.twitter.com/sSo3oPQL4V

— Sharks Community (@sjscommunity) May 4, 2022

The Sharks finish with the 11th spot in the 2022 draft lottery, have a 3.0% chance of securing the first-overall selection. (The Mercury News)

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We had the guys throw axes and they had a little friendly competition.

Watch the newest episode of Off Days 👇 pic.twitter.com/zHXahlO7Z2

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 6, 2022

Sharks prospect Brendan Coe voted top overage player for the North Bay Battalion. (Battalion Hockey)

Coe and the Battalion lead the Kingston Frontenacs in round two of the OHL Playoffs. (Battalion Hockey)

Thomas Bordeleau, Sasha Chmelevski, Strauss Mann, and Jaycob Megna all named to Team USA’s World Championships roster. (USA Hockey)

Tomáš Hertl and Radim Šimek join Team Czechia for World Championships:

👀 Mrkněte, kdo právě dorazil 😍🦈#narodnitym #jakolev pic.twitter.com/PpEqiqjsOv

— Hokejový nároďák (@narodnitym) May 5, 2022

Ozzy Weisblatt and the Prince Albert Raiders were eliminated from WHL playoffs in five games. (Raider Hockey)

Tristen Robins and the Saskatoon Blades were eliminated from WHL playoffs in five games. (Blades Hockey)

AROUND THE NHL…

An off-ice official is injured in Boston Bruins/Carolina Hurricanes’ Game Three. (ESPN)

NHL Central Scouting releases final 2022 draft rankings. (NHL)

Elvis Merzlikins wearing No. 80 to honor Matīss Kivlenieks. (The Hockey News)

2023 World Junior Championship to be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Moncton, New Brunswick. (Hockey Canada)

Connor Ingram has been impressing for the Nashville Predators during the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs. (NHL)

Joel Quenneville reportedly has not been contacted about a return to the NHL. (Sportsnet)

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Casey DeSmith out for the playoffs:

Yikes. DeSmith Has Surgery, Out For Duration of Playoffs

Differing opinions arise when discussing Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak’s collision with Antti Raanta:

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The Colorado Avalanche have a new mentality for this playoff run:

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Claude Giroux is fitting right in with the Florida Panthers:

Claude Giroux a perfect fit with the Florida Panthers

New York Islanders‘ Mathew Barzal representing Team Canada at World Championships:

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Which Vegas Golden Knights players may be on their way out the door?

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Philadelphia Flyers see Samuel Morin retire due to knee injury:

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The Washington Capitals faces more questions in net:

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The Detroit Red Wings just keep getting younger:

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A possible trade for Vancouver Canucks star JT Miller:

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The Calgary Flames are keeping their eyes on the prize:

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Two from the Montreal Canadiens organization are making their way to the World Championships:

Canadiens Jordan Harris and Sean Farrell Headed to World’s