SAN JOSE The Sharks' success was once so constant, so reliable, so predictable, that they ran out of room to hang their accolades. With twenty playoff appearances in 24 years, the Sharks literally filled up an entire banner at their practice facility, top to bottom, with their postseason berths. It was such steady excellence that the team had to commission a new banner just to keep up.
When you want it that bad, you start making plays to get it. You want to win the game every time you touch the puck.
Thompson's absence at the optional practice raised eyebrows, especially after the Caps recalled netminder Clay Stevenson, but coach Spencer Carbery assured there was "no concern for Thompson."