It had to happen at some point, right? The Sharks finally lost a game in regulation, for the first time in 21 games they didn’t get a point, and I think it was a good thing. Why? Because this team has to remember how to bounce back after a loss – and a lackluster effort – and we don’t want this challenge to come for the first time after they lose a game in the playoffs.

Bottom Line – The Sharks are facing one of the most difficult paths to the Stanley Cup Finals in recent memory – with Calgary as their most likely first round opponent. That means if Colorado beats Minnesota in the first round (which I think is likely) then San Jose will have to go through Calgary, Anaheim and the Red Wings in order to reach the Finals. Brutal. Last year the Ducks had Minnesota and Vancouver in the first two rounds, which is a cake walk compared to what lies ahead for San Jose. I look at the more difficult path the Wings had last year, with Calgary and San Jose in the first two rounds, and wonder how much that took out of them when they had to face the Ducks in Finals. The Wings had two more games than the Ducks and were engaged in a very physical first round series with Calgary. Should Sharks fans expect the same from the Flames this year, if that is who we draw….um – yes. Calgary is the 5th most penalized team in the NHL this season and thrives on a physical game. They won the season series 3-1 vs. San Jose, winning three straight where the Sharks suffered meltdowns at the end and gave the games away BUT all of these games were played B.C. (Before Campbell) and we Sharks fans know this is a much different team now.

The Sharks needed to lose last night so they can refocus, look at the task at hand and prepare for what is bound to be an exciting, but extremely challenging, playoff run.