With the preseason officially done and the regular season a few days away, what did we learn about the San Jose Sharks as we try to set expectations for the 2024-25 season? Start with why this team will still struggle to maintain offensive zone time based on the play at 5v5 in the preseason. This should improve as the season progresses, as new players like Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and Tyler Toffoli build chemistry. Next, the power play is set up to be the team's strength because of the added talent, especially if they can build off the success from last season's end. Finally, while not the glamorous of tandems, Vitek Vanecek and Mackenzie Blackwood should be one of the Shark's strengths this season because neither one wants to lose their job to Yaroslav Askarov.