SHARKS NEED TO FOCUS ON DEFENSE FIRST

ROSTER:

Chris Stamler, Jason Stamler, Kevin Pritchard, Brian Haldin, Greg Mohney, Colby Elkin, Casey Kuntz

2007 STATISTICAL LEADERS (SKATERS):

Ø Points: Jason Stamler (61)

Ø Goals: Jason Stamler (40)

Ø Assists: Jason Stamler (21)

Ø PIM: Jason Stamler & Colby Elkin (8)

OFFENSE:

The offense has rarely been the hitch for the Sharks, especially with Jason Stamler in the lineup. Stamler is an expert stickhandler who can score some highlight reel goals. The problem has been finding a compliment to his style. The return of Greg Mohney to the lineup will certainly help. Mohney can make things happen with his fast-paced motor, and he should be able to get Jason Stamler some good opportunities to showcase his talents.

DEFENSE:

Everyone who has been around the league for any length of time knows that the Sharks weakness has been their defense. As with every preseason profile written about them in the past, this year’s formula is no different. The Sharks will only go as far as their defense takes them. They’ve been accustomed to giving up a lot of shots, but too many of them have been quality opportunities. They need to find a way to play a better defensive style as a team. That may mean taking fewer chances offensively. Are they willing to make that sacrifice to stay in games?

GOALTENDING:

Casey Kuntz has been very steady in his time in the league, and his demeanor makes him a durable commodity for a team that surrenders a lot of scoring chances. Kuntz is very quick with his pads and has always been steady. Just like year’s past, he will keep his team in a lot of games this year, but he’ll need the defense to step up though in order to get them over the edge.

OUTLOOK:

The Sharks only need to focus on one word this year: “defense.” If they improve a lot in the defensive zone, they could surprise some teams this year. But as the old axiom goes: if they continue to do what they’ve always done, they’ll continue to get what they’ve always gotten. The Sharks have plenty of talent and potential, they have the goaltending to keep up with anyone, and a star in Stamler to keep teams on their toes. The key for them is to find a way to blend their offensive skills with solid team defense.