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

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The 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. The next-worst team was the Hartford Whalers, who had a record of 52-93-19, a .375 points percentage. According to research by the Elias Sports Bureau, the Sharks were one of four teams to have a points percentage below .200 in a two-season span.

Worst Points Pct in 2-Season Span

NHL History

1929-30/30-31 Quakers (PHI/PIT).1421974-75/75-76 Capitals.1661992-93/93-94 Senators.1821991-92/92-93 Sharks.192* Via Elias Sports Bureau

Consider that their first draft choice was Pat Falloon, who they took with the second overall pick in 1991. The player that was drafted first: Eric …

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