The Stanley Cup playoffs have finally arrived.
After limping to the finish line, the Sharks are set to host the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round beginning Wednesday night at the SAP Center.
The Golden Knights knocked the Sharks out of the playoffs a season ago, so revenge certainly has to be on their mind as this sure to be heavy-hitting series draws near.
With the Sharks and Golden Knights set to get underway, here are five things to look for in the first-round series, presented in hashtag form.
#WinForJumbo
Joe Thornton is in his 21st NHL season, and the surefire Hall of Famer is still looking for that first opportunity to lift the Stanley Cup. Coming off two career-ending-type knee injuries, and now diligently centering the team's third line, his presence alone HAS to be seen as an inspiration to teammates. He could have hung up the skates. Twice. But now that the Sharks are here, it's got to be seen as extra motivation for teammates to make sure the 39-year-old takes advantage of the opportunity as if it were his last.
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#TwoOrFewer
The Sharks tallied 46 total victories this season, and went 32-0 when allowing two goals or fewer to their opponent. That brand of limiting defensive play is an almost-guaranteed recipe for success. Conversely, in their fourteen matchups against the Golden Knights, San Jose had allowed a goal in the first five minutes to Las Vegas seven times. That's not a great path to two or fewer, and chasing the Golden Knights on the scoreboard is no easy task.
#TimoTime
Back on March 30th, the Sharks played and won a hard-fought 4-3 game against Las Vegas. Timo Meier had an assist that night, but his most noticeable contribution was the team-leading ten hits he laid on the Golden Knights. All of them counted, all of them mattered. We'll soon find out how severe Timo's upper body was injured during that last road game against Edmonton. His physical presence, and ability to score will be critical in this round, and beyond.
#EK65
Erik Karlsson's regular season can easily be divided into three distinct chapters. The first 25 games were an uphill acclimation period. The next 25 were dominant and impressive. The final 30 were impaired by a recurring injury. The hope is that a new chapter begins in the playoffs, including a clean bill of health and a return to ridiculously consistent point-production. His legs, lungs and timing may still show signs of rust in the first few games back, but luckily he has almost fifty playoff games of experience to fall back on.
#TurnUpTheTank
The Sharks have home-ice advantage in this series, which brings most to discussing a potential seventh game. However, the real benefit for San Jose could actually be where this series begins. Both teams had just three wins in their final ten games, and are each looking to separate themselves from frustrating stretches. Earning some early momentum may be the most important aspect to ending the Golden Knights' season.
