Sharks clinch playoff berth thanks to Kings’ loss

The San Jose Sharks are headed back to the playoffs. The Los Angeles Kings lost to the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 on Tuesday night which booked San Jose’s date to the dance before the Sharks finished their contest with the New York Rangers at SAP Center.

It’s San Jose’s second-straight trip to the postseason after missing the playoffs in 2015. The Sharks are looking to make it back to the Stanley Cup Final after falling to the Pittsburgh Penguins a year ago. They’re still in the hunt for the Pacific title.

Edmonton now has 93 points with 76 games played. The Sharks can match that with a win against the Rangers tonight. The teams meet on Thursday.

San Jose and Edmonton would battle in the postseason if the second season began today. Right now the teams are playing for home-ice advantage while the Ducks hold on to first place in the division.