As regular hockey season heads for a close, the Sharks continue to bring home the wins; ensuring a slot in the upcoming play-offs. What is so compelling about this accomplishment is that the Sharks have done this on a virtual shoestring, without the benefit of pricey snipers or camera-hogging superstars. The budget is balanced and yet, the team will move on to the playoffs. This is not only good hockey but good business, a lethal combination in economy minded Silicon Valley.

All of this sends a dangerous message to the world of hockey: you don't need to spend millions on payroll in order to win a play-off berth. Imagine that. This also makes superstars like NHL score leader Nash, a bit nervous. Standing out is what superstars do best. It's sort of like telling Julia Roberts to shut up and sit down at the Academy Awards. Back seat to team effort isn't always what the fans crave either. Nothing gets the fans going like a fist swinging brawl and most team players don't gravitate toward that kind of behavior.

So, how did the Sharks manage to get to the play-offs minus some pricey mega shooters and when not racking up penalty points right and left?

Team work, a la Ron Wilson, is all about winning, week after week, game after game. Doesn't matter if there are no headline grabbing moments during the game, no heart stopping saves or crowd roaring fisticuffs, just win the game and get the points. Game by game, that is what got the Sharks, counting pennies and having to make major line adjustments with every single injury, to the play-offs.

The most fascinating aspect of this successful strategy is yet to come. Will Wilson continue to play Girl Scout teamwork-driven hockey or will he use trading as a means of acquiring some hard core snipers to send his team, bulked up, into the play-offs?

The critics are still out on this one so stay tuned.