5/1/06

Most of the attention this year has been focused on Joe Thornton and Jonathan Cheechoo, but what really carried the San Jose Sharks into the playoffs was the relentless effort from the rest of the team.

Depth is what the San Jose Sharks aren’t lacking. The effort from all four lines allowed the Sharks not only to make the playoffs but to move into the fifth seed in the Western Conference.

Thornton’s arrival lit a spark within the team. There is no doubt that Cheechoo’s remarkable year was because of Thornton’s playmaking. The connection between the two allowed Cheechoo to walk away with the Maurice “Rocket” Richard award, which is given to the player who scores the most goals in a season.

Most of the opposing defense focused mainly on Thornton, but the second line consisting of Patrick Marleau and rookies Steve Bernier and Milan Michalek shined on the ice.

Bernier is almost guaranteed a role in the lineup for impressing head coach Ron Wilson with his strong performance and gritty play.

Michalek and Marleau have connected on so many occasions because their speed allows them to pass up the defense easily. In game four, Marleau registered three goals – the third playoff hat trick of his young career.

After being on the same line with Thornton, Nils Ekman shines. Midway through the season, Ekman registered eight assists in two games.

The team’s depth doesn’t end there. It seemed like the Sharks received an all-around team effort from everyone. Christian Ehrhoff and Tom Priessing have stepped up on defense, allowing Kyle McClaren and Scott Hannan to focus on the top lines of other teams.

Young blue-liners Doug Murray, Josh Gorges, Rob Davidson, Hobey Baker and award-winner Matt Carle have proven reliable and effective for Wilson.

The third and fourth line also contributed well, especially Mark Smith. Throughout the four playoff games, Smith has registered three goals.

The biggest contribution came from Vesa Toskala. Because of Toskola, this has not been Evgeni Nabokov’s year. Toskala has taken the premiere role and has been most effective so far in the playoffs.

The team with the most depth will go far in this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs. Expect the Sharks against the Ottawa Senators in the finals.