from David Pollak of the Mercury News,

Their 11-10-4 record puts them on pace to end up with 85 points after reaching 111 last season. If the playoffs began right now, San Jose would be on the outside looking in for the first time since 2003.

The fan base has responded by failing to fill the SAP Center for five of nine home games after a streak of 205 sellouts. Yes, the building has been close to capacity, but when a Saturday night rivalry matchup with the Anaheim Ducks doesn't draw a full house, it's more serious....

So what are the problems?

- Depth, both up front and on the blue line. This isn't a new issue, but the concern is heightened because of the results. In their 10 regulation losses, the Sharks have scored 15 goals -- 13 of them by four guys: Joe Thornton, Logan Couture, Joe Pavelski and Brent Burns....

- While the Sharks' top players have carried the bulk of the offense, only Thornton and Pavelski have been consistent. Patrick Marleau and Couture have hit extended dry spells along the way, though both are starting to pick up their scoring of late.

- Despite what players have said publicly, there is evidence that Thornton and Marleau did not take kindly to last summer's comments by Wilson that were seen as hints for them to waive their no-trade clauses and move on just six months after signing three-year contract extensions....

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