SAN JOSE — The Sharks were well aware of the simplest and most direct path toward second place in the Pacific Division and home ice advantage for the first round of the NHL playoffs.
But not much has been simple for the Sharks in a season of transition and more than a little bit of upheaval.
The Sharks finished the regular season with 6-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday to finish third in the division with 100 points, one point back of Anaheim, which beat Arizona 3-0 earlier Saturday to leapfrog San Jose.
Now, for the third straight season, the Sharks will start the playoffs on the road, with their series against the Ducks likely starting Wednesday or Thursday at Honda Center.