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Sharks seasons ends like it always does - empty, but the future is bright

May 7, 2018, 5:53 PM ET [15 Comments]
Steve Palumbo
San Jose Sharks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
When the series was tied at two it felt like a series the San Jose Sharks could and should win. A battle tested roster versus the Cinderella story nearing midnight. In the end, the 2017-18 Sharks season ended like every one before it - empty, disappointing and full of "what if's?"

But, unlike years past the Sharks have plenty to hold their heads high about.

After the loss of Patrick Marleau and the injury to Joe Thornton not much was expected of this team. They faded late and nobody had them getting past the Ducks in the first round. They bounced back and manhandled a really good Anaheim team and skated shift for shift with a surprisingly good Vegas squad. They only game the Sharks looked bad in was game one, following an eight day layoff.

The season may not have ended with a shiny silver chalice but getting to that point is not far off.

I credit Doug Wilson and Pete Deboer for the makeup of this team today and moving forward. While the roster has its fair share of vets, it also has plenty of promising youngsters coming into their own. Tomas Hertl, Timo Meier and Chris Tierney took tremendous strides in the regular season and Hertl took it a step further in the playoffs, especially vs. Vegas.

Decisions will be made this summer, but there won't be any major changes. Joe Thornton is probably not coming back to San Jose and one could argue it's for the best of the team. The Sharks were actually better after his injury. The team speed certainly increased. As did the scoring in the second half and into the playoffs. Truthfully...at this point in his career, the only real value Jumbo has is on the power play.

There is plenty to get ready for this summer with the draft, free-agency and all the other off-season goodies on the calendar. Hockey in April may be kaput, but hockey in October is just five short months away.

While another playoff appearance without the ultimate prize is frustrating, it's not the end of the Sharks as we know it. Take solace is knowing that they are in better shape going into next season than Anaheim and Los Angeles. That has to mean something - right?

Thanks for reading,
Steve
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