SHARKS BOW TO KINGS IN GAME 7

Its a familiar refrain. The San Jose Sharks make a spirited run into the post-season. Pull off a great first round win and then come agonizingly short in a decisive Game 7. Two second period goals by Justin Williams were the difference along with the spectacular goal-tending of Jonathin Quick as the defending Stanley Cup Champions move on to the Western Conference Finals against either Chicago or Detroit. 

Make no mistake, the Sharks had their chances, many of them. But, Quick would not be denied. Glove saves, stick saves, sprawling saves, Quick was amazing. Dan Boyle lit the lamp nearly six minutes into the third period and the Sharks would then apply constant pressure for the remaining 14 minutes. The best chance belonging to young phenom Logan Couture with under five minutes left, but he couldn't control the moving puck and Quick made another save.

As it always does the off-season brings questions, but the Sharks have a foundation of youth and veteran leadership along with a Vezina Trophy finalist in Antti Niemi. Even though its familiar Stanley Cup Playoff disappointment, don't expect many changes. The Sharks were a mid-season slump away from being a top-three or-four seed. 

Tough ending for Sharks fans, but they are used to this. They have seen this before and will be back for more in the 2013-2014 season.