San Jose Sharks...Torture?

The San Jose Sharks currently hold a 2-0 game lead over the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference Semi-Finals. The Sharks seem to have nothing holding them back from reaching the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back years.

But what has some people doubting how far the Sharks can go is history.

The Sharks fall notoriously short when it comes to pursuing the Stanley Cup in April and May. Year after year we see the Sharks become the favorite to win it all, and then see them falter when it comes to crucial games and series.

With No Dan Boyle, San Jose Sharks Shaking Things Up On The Power-Play

The San Jose Sharks have the third best power-play percentage in the NHL with a 22.1% success rate behind the dominant Vancouver Canucks and surging Chicago Blackhawks. But this recent drought in goals on the power-play by the Sharks has coach Todd McClellan making changes.

The Sharks have scored just one goal in their last 12 power-play chances, something a top-line of Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley should never do. But it isn't what the top-line isn't doing, but who is lacking on the power-play that has the Sharks reeling.

Sharks Acquire Much-Needed Blue Line Help

You wanted a legitimate blue line defenseman? Well, you got it. The Sharks acquired defenseman Ian White from the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2nd round draft pick today. The Sharks got the help they needed in the form of a wicked shot from the blue line.

Sure, it isn't the previously suggested Tomas Kaberle, who was dealt earlier today, or the young-gun Zach Bogosian that dreamer Sharks fans like myself were thinking of, but White fills the need.

FUN FACT (you're kidding me...) : This time last year, the Sharks picked up Nic Wallin for some defensive