Only a single point separated the Sharks and the Anaheim Ducks in the standings at the end of the season, and little appears to separate them ahead of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Theirs is arguably the closest matchup to start the playoffs, leaving us all to wonder what will eventually set the winner apart.
With that in mind, here are five questions whose answers will ultimately determine who moves on to the second round.
Are the Sharks’ kids (still) alright?
San Jose really relied on young players this season, and will need them to beat Anaheim.