SAN JOSE — It was on.
Immediately following their blockbuster acquisition of Erik Karlsson a year ago, the Sharks openly talked about their expectations — now sky-high — for the upcoming season. With a two-time Norris Trophy winner still in his prime now in the fold, adding to an already deep and experienced roster, it was Stanley Cup or bust.
“There’s no hiding from that,” Sharks coach Pete DeBoer said then. “That’s what we’re here to do.”
The Sharks, of course, fell six wins short, losing to the eventual Cup champion St. Louis Blues in the Western Conference Final in six games.