San Jose Sharks: 5 Reasons Why They're Winning

The San Jose Sharks won their season opener against the Phoenix Coyotes handily, showcasing their high-powered offense in a 6-3 victory. The Sharks then dropped three games in a row, two of which were against the rival Anaheim Ducks, and began a long east coast road trip with a lackluster record of 1-3-0.

Now, San Jose is riding the momentum of a five-game win streak that has vaulted them to fifth place in the Western Conference.

The boys in teal are beginning to play like true contenders again and are benefiting greatly from the strong play of some of their offseason additions.

Here are five key reasons why the Sharks have returned to elite form.     

Joe Pavelski Is Lighting the Lamp

Joe Pavelski is playing on the top line with Patrick Marleau and world-class playmaker Joe Thornton and, so far, has been San Jose's most lethal goal scorer. 

Pavelski leads the team in both points (11) and goals (seven). He has been the team's best player throughout the road trip and has consistently created scoring opportunities for himself and his linemates.

Without Pavelski's scoring, the Sharks wouldn't be where they are in the league standings.  

Brent Burns Is Contributing on Both Ends of the Ice

Brent Burns was acquired this summer to fill what was the biggest hole in the Sharks' roster last season: a quick-footed, two-way defenseman. 

A fast, physical rearguard who can play in any situation, Burns has been solid defensively and changed the complexion of San Jose's power play. He also has three goals and two assists for five points in nine games played, including an overtime winner that he netted against the New York Islanders on Saturday night. 

Burns is looking better every night and is quickly acclimating to the Sharks' system. He has been terrific throughout the road trip and will continue to play a central role in San Jose's success as a team. 

Strong Play from Their Goaltenders

Solid netminding is crucial for every club and is often the difference between a win and a loss at night's end. 

Fortunately for the Sharks, goaltending has been consistently strong so far this season.

Rookie netminder Thomas Greiss started the year in the absence of Antti Niemi and veteran Antero Niittymaki, who were both sidelined by injuries. In four games, Greiss posted a .917 save percentage and a 2.26 goals-against average. 

Antti Niemi returned to the lineup after missing the first three games of the season and has been solid, as well. In five starts, Niemi has four wins, a .917 save percentage and an impressive 2.19 goals-against average.

With a skilled goalie tandem between the pipes and a solid veteran soon to return from the injured reserve in Niittymaki, the Sharks are deep with able goaltenders and have benefited greatly from this so far. 

Marc-Edouard Vlasic Is Shutting Down Opposing Forwards

Originally drafted as an offensive defenseman, Marc-Edouard Vlasic broke into the league as an 18-year-old and has been a staple on the Sharks' blue line ever since. 

During his time in the NHL, Vlasic has developed into a remarkably poised shutdown defender. He is terrific positionally and makes effective use of his stick to snatch the puck away from opposing players,  making up for his lack of size and physicality. 

Vlasic is mature beyond his years and rarely, if ever, caught out of position. His offensive game hasn't translated to the NHL level, but he has solidified himself as San Jose's best defensive rearguard and played rock solid defense during this win streak. He was particularly strong on Long Island on Saturday night, when he broke up several scoring chances using his quick stick. 

Martin Havlat Brings a New Element to Their Offense

Martin Havlat is a crafty winger who can skate, play defense and create scoring chances out of nothing. His speed and puck control allow him to breeze by defenders and set up his teammates with ease; he has done so on a nightly basis for San Jose. 

In five games as a Shark, Havlat has five assists and is a plus-three. He has rejuvenated the second line, which was struggling to produce at the beginning of the season when Havlat was out with a knee injury. 

Havlat's versatility and dynamic style of play has played an important role in helping the Sharks win hockey games. Without him in the lineup, the team struggled to put up points and control the puck. Now that he's healthy, San Jose is scoring at a steady pace and sustaining pressure in the offensive zone, ultimately leading to victories.

Sam Kelly is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @samkelly10.