I don’t want to dwell on the fact that the Sharks picked the worst possible time to go ice cold. It’s not my intention to bemoan the fact that they had every single opportunity imaginable to put the series away and couldn’t put it together. I’m just not compelled to pour salt in the wound of unrealized potential.

Instead I merely want to say that the Sharks had an amazing season. From the acquisition of Joe Thornton to the emrgence of Jonathan Cheechoo to the inspired and finally consistent play of Captain Patrick Marleau all the way up to the fabulous end of the season win streak that put the team higher in the playoff seeds than anyone expected and gave hope to fans who as recently as December had all but written them completely off (guilty as charged). To that, I tip my hat. Here’s to next year.

Also, I wish they were still in the playoffs but I was kinda glad to shave the playoff beard. Itchy!