Steve Palumbo: The Sharks Are Cup Final Bound! Yes, This Is Real Life.

Amazing run that few expected but makes a lot of sense

LETS DO THIS! WIN THE CUP FOR THE 25th

LETS DO THIS! WIN THE CUP FOR THE 25th
- 2Real

SO excited for Monday! Still on a high from our run so far - from the fact that most everyone picked the Kings to beat us from the get-go, and we wiped the floor with them. Then we were tested against an INCREDIBLY talented Nashville team. Then, once again, many had us falling to the mighty Blues since they dispatched Chicago (barely) and Dallas (barely) before running into the Sharks frenzy. LA was a satisfying win, but seeing our boys show up and win two straight after the Blues tied it up at 2 was incredibly awesome and just goes to show how different this group truly is this year. All playoff games matter, but when the Sharks KNEW they had to win, they've been far and above their opponents.

I fully expect their awesome play to continue. Will it be enough to beat the Pens? Who knows. The Pens are a fantastic team. I know the Sharks have the skill to do it and I think they know it too. Should be a fantastic series.

Congrats to the Sharks on their first finals appearance ever. Should be an entertaining series. The last 2 times we've been was by far and away the most nerve-racking, stressful and fun games I've ever watched. It's either the most satisfying experience you'll ever have or the most devastating experience you'll ever have as a hockey fan. Finishing runner-up now is like having 4 of a kind in poker only to get beat by someone holding a Royal Flush. Don't let that happen haha. Most players never even have the opportunity to play in the Finals. Thornton and Marleau in particular need to seize this moment as statistically speaking with their ages it'll most likely be their last shot. Good luck!

Congrats Shark fans much deserved will be cheering for them.

Hate to say it as a Kings fan, but the Sharks are just simply the best team in these playoffs. I think the Pens have a shot, but Sharks in 6 sounds like the most likely result to me.

Pray to Jobu!

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't extremely envious of the success you guys are having. As a fan, I know exactly the emotions you guys are going through, and all I can tell you is enjoy it. And good luck the rest of the way.

Thanks Kings fans. Obviously our rivalry gets pretty heated, but bringing the Cup to California is always a good thing. I think the Sharks will really surprise the Pens and their fans. Many have said this isn't the same Pens team that we last played.. but it definitely isn't the same Sharks team either. They were definitely taking notice of the Kings style, saved their energy for the playoffs.

I love all the California hockey pride! A Cup for all three teams would be pretty epic and California would truly become the Golden State of Hockey!

I love all the California hockey pride! A Cup for all three teams would be pretty epic and California would truly become the Golden State of Hockey!
- Steve Palumbo

If it was the Ducks it would be completely different. I would be physically sick. For you guys, first time and all that, kinda can't help but feel good for the fans. And like I said, I know the emotions you guys are going through. Its hard to put into words.

Cheering for the Sharks all the way. I have been to 6 games over the years in San Jose and love the arena and the fans. Go Sharks Go....beat those Pens!

I think if the Sharks play at the same level they have been playing they'll be fine. It won't be easy, but it's not like the Preds, Kings, or Blues were easy either. However, I think their VASTLY superior 5v5 numbers will play out over the course of 4-7 games.

I've been amused, again, at how everyone just continues to overlook Couture when they analyze the Sharks. Pens fans even say, "The big three: Pavelski, Thornton, and MARLEAU" and compare them to Crosby, Malkin, and Kessel. Poor guys are in for a rude awakening when they realize that Marleau is probably around the eighth or ninth best players on the Sharks.

Anyways! I hope the series is entertaining. The NZ is going to be a huge factor in this series. If the Sharks continue to create a logjam there defensively it'll go a long ways to negate the speed of the Penguins.

Sharks had a much easier road to the finals, with pitiful opposing goalies... people thinking they are the favorites are laughable

Win it for Zubrus!!!

Sharks had a much easier road to the finals, with pitiful opposing goalies... people thinking they are the favorites are laughable
- Guile

Didn't you just beat a backup goalie who had to come in cold for round 3 of the playoffs and it took you 7 games? Just saying.

I don't know who's favored but to me it looks like a pick 'em.

And why give a crap who anyone likes. It's two outstanding and remarkably talented teams and you'll settle it on the ice. Enjoy!

Sharks had a much easier road to the finals, with pitiful opposing goalies... people thinking they are the favorites are laughable
- Guile

Round 1: 2012 Vezina finalist, 2012 Conn Smythe winner, 2012 All Star, 2014 Jennings winner, 2016 Vezina finalist

Round 2: 2011 All Star, 2011 Vezina finalist, 2012 Vezina finalist, 2015 All Star, 2015 Vezina finalist, 2016 All Star

Round 3: 2012 Jennings winner, 2012 All Star, 2015 All Star

I know most of these achievements don't mean anything but it's not like they faced a bunch of nobodies.

I wouldn't go as far to say the Sharks are favorited but anything can happen in playoff hockey. I'm just glad the Sharks are playing for the Cup. It sucked that Marleau played the most playoff games ever without making it to the final, not the kind of record you want to hold.

It's our time. We earned it. This core group has silenced all the critics and lead the way. As good as our depth players have been, it's been the best players who have willed us to victories. Huge moral victory there. We have a chance and that's all you can hope for as a fan.

Round 1: 2012 Vezina finalist, 2012 Conn Smythe winner, 2012 All Star, 2014 Jennings winner, 2016 Vezina finalist

Round 2: 2011 All Star, 2011 Vezina finalist, 2012 Vezina finalist, 2015 All Star, 2015 Vezina finalist, 2016 All Star

Round 3: 2012 Jennings winner, 2012 All Star, 2015 All Star

I know most of these achievements don't mean anything but it's not like they faced a bunch of nobodies.
- Sharks_12

Let the haters hate. I personally think that Tampa had the easiest route to the conference finals (and I'm a Wings fan). I don't think any "expert" would say the Sharks faced easy goalies or teams.

I'll be cheering for them to get the last 4 W's they need.

Good luck and enjoy the ride!

If it was the Ducks it would be completely different. I would be physically sick. For you guys, first time and all that, kinda can't help but feel good for the fans. And like I said, I know the emotions you guys are going through. Its hard to put into words.
- Deadmau55

Hurts that it's jones being the back stop but I guess it's nice for Cali hockey. Agreed about ducks statement. I'll take sharks over ducks any day of the week

Hurts that it's jones being the back stop but I guess it's nice for Cali hockey. Agreed about ducks statement. I'll take sharks over ducks any day of the week
- KINGS67

Don't sweat it. Shows how great LA's system is for churning out quality goalies.

Sharks had a much easier road to the finals, with pitiful opposing goalies... people thinking they are the favorites are laughable
- Guile

Hot take.

LETS GO SHARKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!