Season Over For Last-Place Sharks As NHL Plans To Resume Play With Playoff Tournament

SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- The San Jose Sharks' season appears to be officially over following an announcement by the National Hockey League that it would resume play by ending the regular season and advancing directly into the playoff rounds

Even with increasing the number of playoff teams from 16 to 24, the Sharks -  currently last in the Western Conference - would be among the seven teams left out of the playoff tournament if all goes as planned.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league and the NHL Players' Association still have to determine COVID-19 safety guidelines and protocols figure out where games would be played.

The Sharks would end their disappointing season by missing the playoffs for just the second time in 17 seasons.

"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," said Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson in a prepared statement. "We are already well into our extensive season review process and will use this opportunity to build on what we have already started to ensure our club is ready for the start of the 2020-21 season."

Sharks President Jonathan Becher said in the statement that the team would now move ahead with credits or refunds to fans for games not played because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"This process will accelerate now that these games have officially been canceled," said Becher. "There are still many open questions regarding the start of the 2020-21 season. The safety of our fans, partners, and players who enter SAP Center remains our top priority."

Playoff games were expected to be played in only a handful of locations and with no fans in attendance.

The Sharks will end their season with a 29-36-5 record and 63 points, dead last in the Western Conference.