What's Wrong with the 2007 - 2008 San Jose Sharks?

If it could be summed up in one word why the San Jose Sharks are not leading their division that word would be no sense of urgency. Unfortunately as you can see what's wrong with the Sharks can't be summed up in just one word.

Let's start with the defense because if you even tried to start with the man between the pipes you wouldn't get anywhere as it would be very difficult, virtually impossible to find any fault with Evgeni Nabokov. A lot of articles talk about the good overall team defense that the Sharks have. Well currently San Jose has given up the 3^rd fewest goals in the entire National Hockey League. Only Detroit Red Wings and the New Jersey Devils have given up less. The amount of goals they've given up is obviously not the problem. The problem is how many times have we seen breakaways, turnovers in their own zone, turnovers in the neutral zone and oddman rushes. It seems that every night Nabokov is having to bail them out from quality chances.

Also this idea to promote from within the organization is only a smokescreen to not spend money. Any combination of two of Anaheim Duck's top three defenseman make more money then the entire Sharks defensive unit. Craig Rivet is the Sharks best defenseman however he would easily be forth or fifth best on the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Sharks also don't have a viable defenseman to consistently quarterback the power play. Sandis Ozolinsh has flashes of brilliance and then falls off the face of the earth. Kyle McClaren is is not the McClaren of old who could close the gap on opponents who dared to carry the puck across the blue line. Instead he plays like there will always be a tomorrow. Carrying the puck nonchalantly and coughing it up to the point where it ends up behind the goal line right behind where Nabokov is usually standing which was a bad thing last time I checked. Matt Carle needs to be sent down to the minors and get his confidence back.