The San Jose Sharks have been in control of their own destiny for much of the 2017-18 season. On Saturday night they let all their hard work get away. They blew a chance to finish second in the Pacific Division and earn home-ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

They dropped their season finale 6-3 to the Minnesota Wild at SAP Center.

San Jose needed a single point to lock down second place. They failed to do so and despite reaching 100 points, they fell to third in the Pacific. Anaheim won their finale to reach 101 points and move ahead of them in the standings.

Now the Sharks must open the playoffs in Anaheim. It's a battle or Nor Cal vs. So Cal. These two clubs met one other time in the postseason. In 2009, the President Trophy winning Sharks and their 117 points were ousted in six games by the 8th seeded Ducks. Just another postseason season failure to feel gutted about for the teal and black.

Forget the past - this is going to be a heck of a series and I'm excited to cover it.

The Sharks will say all the right things, but they had the first round home ice in the bag. They ended the season 1-4-1 in the final six games of the season, while averaging just a hair below three goals a game and allowing almost four to their opponents. Not exactly playoff primed.

Not to worry, we will get more into the match-up before the series starts next week. For now let's enjoy being in the playoffs and be thankful you're not a Blues' fan today.

Thanks for reading,
Steve

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