The San Jose Sharks should not define success in the 2017-18 season in terms of playoff performance. That’s not to suggest that winning the franchise’s first Stanley Cup in its 27th season would be unwelcome, but that certainly should not be the standard.
At least, it shouldn’t be as the team is currently constructed. A big acquisition, which General Manager Doug Wilson has said he’s open to, could change that. But we looked at possible lineups yesterday, and it’s difficult to see how the team is better than the one the Edmonton Oilers eliminated in six games in April.