2008 San Jose Sharks

Even as we say “Congratulations” to the Anaheim Ducks, who beat the Sharks 4 games to 2 to advance to the Conference Semifinals in the 2009 NHL Playoffs, we want to say a big “Thank you” to the San Jose Sharks, winners of the Presidents’ Trophy for the best regular-season record, for the phenomenal season they had!

The San Jose Sharks ended the 2007-08 season at the top of the Pacific Division and they made it all the way to the West Semi-finals before being knocked out by the Dallas Stars. Though that may have been enough for some, General Manager Doug Wilson is determined that the Sharks make it to the Stanley Cup this year, and to that end he fired head coach Ron Wilson and hired Todd McLellan, former assistant coach for the 2008 Stanley Cup winners the Detroit Red Wings. Wilson also decided to shake up the defense by adding three players with previous Stanley Cup wins: Brad Lukowich, Rob Blake, and Dan Boyle. Does McLellan have what it takes to get the San Jose Sharks to the next level in the 2008-09 season? Find out for yourself with tickets to the HP Pavilion at San Jose and see if the San Jose Sharks can make it to the 2009 Stanley Cup finals!

Seeded #5 among the eight Western Conference hockey teams in the 2005-06 NHL Playoffs, the San Jose Sharks were continuing an impressive history of making it to the postseason playoffs. Established in 1991, the franchise had made it into the tournament eight previous times since 1994. The first round went well, as they eliminated the Nashville Predators four games to one. Their match-up with the Edmonton Oilers, however, was not so successful, so the Sharks are still looking for their first possession of the Stanley Cup.

An NHL team since 1991, the San Jose Sharks play their home games at the HP Pavilion, which is also home to the AFL’s San Jose Sabercats and the NLL’s San Jose Stealth as well as special events and concerts. Previous players include: Mike Rathje, Marcus Ragnarsson, Jeff Friesen, and Jeff Odgers.