The Sharks’ disappointing season is officially over after the NHL announced Tuesday it is abandoning the rest of the regular season and going straight into the playoffs, if it is able to resume play.
Commissioner Gary Bettmann said the league will increase its playoff teams from 16 to 24, but the Sharks have the worst record in the Western Conference and will be among the seven teams whose seasons are done. This marks just the second time in 17 seasons, and first since 2015, when the Sharks failed to make the postseason.
“While we are disappointed that the San Jose Sharks will not be able to complete our 2019-20 season, we understand and respect the decision made by the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association,” Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said in a statement.