The Sharks lived up to recent tradition last year when, after finishing first in the West, they were swept in the conference finals by Chicago. With 14/1 Bodog NHL odds, San Jose is once again gearing up for another Stanley Cup run. This is your San Jose Sharks 2010-11 preview. San Jose returns much of last year’s roster, and why not? They barreled their way to the top of the conference and, despite the disappointing loss to the Blackhawks, did actually make some progress — typically, this club is bounced in the first or second round. The biggest change comes between the pipes. Evgeni Nabokov played well for San Jose over the years, but management was ready for a change. Enter the Finnish combo of Antti Niemi and Antero Niittymaki. Niemi, as you’ll recall, backstopped the Blackhawks to a Stanley Cup win last season. He’s solid if unspectacular and there’s no question some of his success came from the players and system around him. Still, it’s not like he’s being dropped onto a bottom-feeder club; San Jose should offer Niemi the support he needs to succeed. Read more: http://beat.bodoglife.com/sports/nhl-odds-san-jose-sharks-2010-11-preview-23106.html
