Although it hasn't been a smooth ride lately, the Sharks officially punched their ticket to the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Tuesday night by virtue of the Kings' 2-1 regulation loss to the Edmonton Oilers.
The Sharks are currently hosting the New York Rangers, looking to snap a six-game losing streak in regulation.
The Kings' loss gives the Sharks back-to-back appearances in the playoffs after a rare miss in 2015. Last season San Jose advanced to its first-ever Stanley Cup Final, losing to the Penguins in six games.
Since 1997-98 the Sharks have made the playoffs in 17 seasons. Only Detroit, which has been officially eliminated from playoff contention this season, has more (18).
San Jose is aiming for its first Pacific Division title since 2011.
