Five Reasons the Sharks Advanced to the Conference Finals

SAN JOSE — The San Jose Sharks saved their best game for last in the Western Conference Second Round against the Nashville Predators.

The Sharks defeated the Predators 5-0 in Game 7 at SAP Center on Thursday to advance to the Western Conference Final for the fourth time, and first time since 2011.

The Sharks can reach the Stanley Cup Final for the first time with a victory against the St. Louis Blues in the conference final, which begins Sunday at Scottrade Center (5 p.m. PT; NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports).

Here are 5 reasons the Sharks advanced:

1. LOGAN COUTURE

The Sharks second-line center got hot against the Predators. Couture had six goals and five assists in seven games, setting a San Jose record for most points in a series, breaking Igor Larionov’s record of 10 points, set in the first round against the Detroit Red Wings in 1994. Couture leads the NHL with 17 points in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

He continues to get stronger after two injuries early in the season cost him 30 games. He had surgery in October to repair a broken right ankle, and in December had surgery for internal bleeding caused by a thigh injury.

“It’s great for him,” Sharks captain Joe Pavelski said. “It’s great to see a little success like that for him. He was a big part of this series and been a big part of this team. It’s tremendous to see. You need that, and you need those runs for stretches in the playoffs.”

2. ENERGY EDGE

Sharks coach Peter DeBoer, as he had throughout the season, relied heavily on four lines and six defensemen against the Predators. He spread the workload throughout the lineup and made sure his top players didn’t get worn down. The …

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