8 Looming Questions For The Western Conference Playoffs

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Is this finally the Sharks’ year to get over the hump?

Jan 25, 2014; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks players from left including center

Bracken Kearns

(38), center

Joe Pavelski

(8), center

Joe Thornton

(19), center

Patrick Marleau

(12) on the bench during the third period against the Minnesota Wild at SAP Center at San Jose. Sharks won 3 to 2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

It seems like every year the Sharks have a playoff exit earlier than expected.  The core has been the same for many of those years, and with the re-signing of Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau it isn’t changing any time soon.  They drew a tough first round matchup with the Kings, so it is going to be a tough row to hoe if they are going to get farther than normal.