A long statistical path to Stanley Cup finals for San Jose Sharks

Joe Pavelski and the Sharks had a great celebration in Game 6. John Hefti-USA TODAY SportsThe San Jose Sharks are finally in the Stanley Cup finals. Some people thought they would never hear those words.

Consider that this was the Sharks' fourth crack at the Western Conference finals, and in the previous three times, they never were one win away from getting to play for that elusive Cup. It’s something the franchise has been dealing with since its entrance into the NHL during the 1991-92 season.

Consider that in their first two years of existence, the Sharks had a record of 28-129-7, good for a points percentage of .192, by far the worst by any team that played in both seasons in that span.…