Five players who can make 2021 better than expected

Things might have to go exceedingly well for the San Jose Sharks to make the 2021 NHL playoffs.

There can’t be significant injuries to star players like there were last season, they’ll need bounceback years from both of their goalies, and they’ll have get off to a good start despite playing 14 of their first 18 games on the road.

That said, in the newly realigned West Division, the Sharks can still surprise some people. The Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues and Vegas Golden Knights are the division’s heavyweights, but the fourth and last playoff spot appears to be up for grabs between the Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Los Angeles Kings and Minnesota Wild.

The Sharks finished 29th out of 31 teams last season, and with training camp set to start today they will not be getting the benefit of the doubt by many prognosticators this year. But here are five players who can make the Sharks better than expected this season.

1. ERIK KARLSSON » In the 109 regular-season games Karlsson has played for the Sharks, one prolonged stretch stands out. In 18 games from Dec. 7, 2018 to Jan. 16, 2019, Karlsson had 27 points and helped the Sharks go on a 13- 4-1 tear. He was the best player on a deep Sharks team and would have again been in the Norris Trophy conversation that season had he not been injured.

It was a glimpse of what Karlsson can do if he’s fully healthy and engaged.

2. KEVIN LABANC » Labanc, too, can be a difference maker when he’s on his game. All too often last season, though, Labanc’s effectiveness varied from one week to the next. He finished with 33 points in 70 games, down from the 56 points in 82 games he had the previous season, and had a team-worst -33 rating.

But his importance to the Sharks has never been greater than it is now. Awarded a four-year, $18.9 million contract extension in the offseason, Labanc, 25, wants to show that he can play in a top six role.

3. MARC-EDOUARD VLASIC » Now 33 years old and entering his 15th season in the NHL, Vlasic has to fight off the perception that his best days are in the rear view mirror.

Vlasic’s average time on ice in 70 games last season was 20 minute, 18 seconds, more than two minutes fewer than what it was just two years ago when he finished 11th in Norris Trophy voting.

4. DEVAN DUBNYK » The Sharks will have more games on back-toback nights (12) than any other team in the NHL. Just from that standpoint alone, the way Dubnyk plays this season will have a huge impact on whether the Sharks can remain in contention.

Dubnyk, 34, will split goaltending duties with Martin Jones, who has played some of his best hockey with the Sharks when he’s faced some internal competition.

5. MARCUS SORENSEN » The Sharks’ top two lines will likely have to carry most of the goalscoring load, But depth players like Sorensen will still need to provide some scoring punch to help balance the offense.