
Stanley Cups: 0
2011-'12 record: 43-29-5-5, 96 points (2nd in Pacific, 7th in West)
2011-'12 playoffs: Lost to St. Louis Blues 4-1
Coach: Todd McLellan (195-92-41, 5th NHL year, 1st team)
Top returning scorer: C Joe Thornton (18 goals, 59 assists, 77 points)
Top returning goalie: Antti Niemi (34-22-9, 2.42, .915)
Key additions: D Brad Stuart; RW Adam Burish; C Bracken Kearns.
Key subtractions: C Andrew Murray; C Dominic Moore; C Torrey Mitchell; LW Brad Winchester; RW Benn Ferriero; D Jim Vandermeer; D Colin White.
Goaltending: Niemi’s first hockey job was driving a Zamboni back in his native Finland. He returned home during the lockout to play for Pelicans Lahti. Backstopped Chicago to the 2009-10 Stanley Cup title, becoming the first Finnish-born goalie to win the Cup.
Player to watch: D Matt Tennyson. With just eight blue-liners in camp, the free-agent signing from Western Michigan (CCHA) will get a long look. He was a Second Team All-CCHA choice and a finalist for the conference’s top offensive defenseman last season.
Icing: Stuart signed for less money with Sharks ($3.6 million per season) than he was earning with Detroit ($3.75 million) because he wanted to be back home with his family, who remained in California while he played for the Red Wings . . . C Joe Pavelski set a career high with 31 goals in 2011-12 . . . Sharks have regressed in wins in each of McLellan’s four seasons as coach and a slow start could put him on the hot seat.
PHT: The Bruins try to complete their sweep tonight (7 p.m. ET; Live Extra, CNBC). On NBCSN, the Hawks and Wings play (7 ET; Live Extra), then the Sharks and Kings square off (10:30 ET; Live Extra).
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Video: NHL from NBC Sports |
Highlights: Pens hang seven on Sens The Senators held a lead twice in the first period, but Pittsburgh's offensive fire power proved to be too much to handle. James Neal and Jarome Iginla each score two as the Penguins cruise to an impressive 7-3 victory in Game 4. |
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Stanley Cup winners A look at the teams that have earned the right to hoist Lord Stanley's prize since 1965. NBCSports.com |
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