Despite coming up just short of their goal last season, the San Jose Sharks finally made a playoff breakthrough, advancing past the Western Conference Final for the first time in franchise history.
With nearly the same roster in tact, the Sharks are presumed to be contenders once again, and last season's experience could bode well for a team in win-now mode.
They know they can get there, but whether they can do it again remains to be seen.
Here are three questions facing San Jose entering the 2016-17 campaign:
Are they even better?
Last season, the Sharks managed 98 points, good for third in the Pacific Division, and with the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers set to improve, the path to the playoffs could be a bit tougher this season.
Thankfully, a shrewd offseason from general manager Doug Wilson added useful pieces while the core remained in tact.
Mikkel Boedker, who scored 51 points last season split between the Coyotes and Avalanche, was the team's big addition up front, while possession-positive blue-liner David Schlemko replaced Roman Polak on a strong defensive unit.
The Sharks, who scored the fourth most goals in the NHL last season (237), did so with only 52 games from playoff hero Logan Couture. If they can stay healthy, this will be one dangerous club.
Will impending UFA's have a lingering impact?
Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Brent Burns are unrestricted free agents once this season expires, and whether the campaign is a success or a failure, the future of such important players will be a storyline for the team all season long.
Burns, 31, is the only one of the three that is likely to earn a raise, while Thornton and Marleau remain question marks. Age, productivity, and personal reasons will all play a role in the future of the franchise cornerstones once July hits.
Can they get off to a better start?
Halfway through last season, the Sharks were on the wrong side of the playoff cut line.
Through 38 games, San Jose was 18-18-2 under new head coach Peter DeBoer, but surged to a 28-12-4 mark to close out the season.
Coming off a deep playoff run, and with seven representatives at the World Cup of Hockey, the Sharks endured a shortened summer. With high expectations, a strong start to the fresh campaign is imperative to building momentum on another march to the postseason.
