FROM SAN JOSE — The expectations that crushed the San Jose Sharks in the last two playoffs have resurfaced this spring, stirring demons that will haunt them until they learn the secret of extending their shelf life past early May.
Much is expected from the Sharks because they have the NHL's top record, setting franchise standards with 53 wins and 117 points.
Far less is expected of the Ducks, who needed a late push to get into the playoffs and earn a first-round matchup that starts tonight at HP Pavilion.
The Sharks, who changed all but the core of their roster after they blew second-round series leads over Edmonton in 2006 and Detroit in 2007, have a lot to live up to.
"I think everybody knows that this team needs to take the next step," said defenseman Dan Boyle, one of six players with a collective nine Stanley Cup rings brought in since the last playoff flop.
"Things happen very quickly. You could be right there one year and the next you're out of the playoffs and you're in a rebuilding stage, so you've got to take advantage of things when you can. This is a pretty good opportunity. It may be the best opportunity that a lot of guys are going to have."
The Ducks, the league's second-most penalized team, have a lot to live down.
Their season was marred by inconsistent goaltending, spotty scoring and sloppy defense. Buoyed by several trades that made them younger and better balanced on defense, they rallied and moved up from 12th.
Their turnaround was admirable. But tonight's expected starting goaltender, Jonas Hiller, has never appeared in an NHL playoff game. Nor have two of their top six defensemen, Sheldon Brookbank and James Wisniewski.
"I don't think people outside our room expect too much of us," defenseman Ryan Whitney said Wednesday.
"We know we've played real well the past 15 games and we've been in the playoffs since a month ago, it seems. So we expect to continue to play the way we have been and play a good overall game. We expect a good game out of each other and we really don't mind what other people think."
The Sharks said they're ignoring what others say about them even though most of it is favorable -- and deserved. The Sharks have the league's third-best team goals against average (2.39), third-best power play, fifth-best penalty killing, a mobile defense, paralyzing speed and lots of toughness.
