For three of the last four seasons, the San Jose Sharks have won 46 games. In the other year they won 45. Under coach Pete DeBoer, they’ve been a steady picture of consistency near the top of the league amidst tales of their closing window – all without ever winning hockey’s holy grail.



Last season they were close, losing in six games to the eventual Stanley Cup champion in the conference final. They were one of the league’s strongest possession teams, too. But as the team’s core continues to age the journey to the top becomes more arduous. San Jose’s impending demise looks more likely than ever before, especially with captain Joe Pavelski leaving for the Stars in the offseason. That’s a massive loss and he hasn’t been adequately replaced.



All these Sharks have ever known is going for it, but unless their best players can stifle the effects of age, a subtle decline looks imminent. In a very weak Pacific Division, the...