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DeBoer predicts ‘big bounce-back’ in San Jose

New Jersey Devils v New York Rangers - Game Two

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 16: Head Coach Peter DeBoer of the New Jersey Devils speaks to the media after their 3 to 2 win over the New York Rangers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 16, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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So much for the San Jose Sharks becoming a “tomorrow team.”

Based on what Pete DeBoer said today at his introductory press conference, a “tomorrow team” isn’t what he signed on to coach.

“I think if you enter the San Jose Sharks organization, like I am as the head coach, the expectation is to win right now,” he said. “Regardless of the ages or the birth certificates of the players, there’s a tradition here of winning and of challenging to go deep into the playoffs. That’s my expectation. I think that’s [GM Doug Wilson’s] expectation, and I don’t think anyone’s looking for anything less than that here.”

Despite the Sharks having just missed the playoffs for the first time since 2003, DeBoer is predicting a “big bounce-back” for San Jose, which still boasts Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture, Brent Burns, and Marc-Edouard Vlasic on its roster.

DeBoer was asked what needs to change to avoid a repeat of 2014-15.

“I’ve got some ideas in my head, but I can’t box it up for you in one package,” he said. “I can tell you I believe it’s fixable, and the biggest thing that’s going to be fixed – and the most comforting thing to me – is the character of this group.

“You’ve got a lot of proud people here that aren’t too happy about where they were sitting at the end of last season. My history with that is, if you’ve got character and you’ve been through that, you’re ready to push back. And I think we’re going to see that.”