SAN JOSE — The traditional handshake line at center ice was finished. Some fans at SAP Center stood and cheered. Others remained silent, staying near their seats as the Sharks remained on the ice for several more moments and saluted them for the final time this season.
A year that began with aspirations of returning to the Stanley Cup Final ended in heartbreaking fashion Saturday at SAP Center, as the Sharks were eliminated from the playoffs with a 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of their opening round playoff series.
Patrick Marleau, who, along with Joe Thornton, might have been playing his final game as a member of the Sharks at home, scored with 7:48 to go in the third period to cut the Oilers’ lead to one.