Sharks fans ready for Game 7 against Predators

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- A big night is ahead for the San Jose Sharks. A win tonight sends the team to the Western Conference Finals.

Fans are excite and the Sharks will take on the Nashville Predators in Game 7 of Round Two in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Setup is underway at SAP Center and the energy is building ahead of Thursday night's game. A number of fans are already there, enjoying the festivities at the arena, hoping that the season doesn't come to an end.

In the heart of downtown San Jose, teal banners are hung, road blocks are up and fans are hitting the streets to get ready for a big game.

Wayne Gardiner calls himself the Sharks' number one fan. He came out to SAP center Thursday, hours before anyone was slated to arrive.

"Last year, this time, we weren't even this far, we didn't even make the playoff, so there's everything to be excited for right now. Everything," Gardinier said.

San Jose is hoping to avoid a repeat of 2014 when they fell to the L.A. Kings.

"We're not going to talk about past games, or games in the future, it's about tonight, and it's about what we do, and we can play better," said Sharks Capt. Joe Paveleski.

"We got to be on the four check, we got to play some speed, and play physically, I think that's got to be our game plan," said San Jose center Nick Spaling.

The team's head coach is saying he's confident they've got a winning formula.

"They're excited to be playing this time of year, I think that they recognize the opportunity, they were loose this morning, which is a good sign," said San Jose Shark's head coach Peter Deboer.

Over at SP2 Restaurant and Bar at San Pedro Square, managers say these play-off games have brought out a lot of spirit.

"Business is booming during the playoffs, especially for home games.We have large crowds coming in about an hour before the game, our restaurant gets filled up, everybody's in here supporting, in their Sharks' jerseys, excited for the game," said Rasmin Jacob SP2 Restaurant manager.

Fans want the world to know how proud they are of their team.

"These guys have been working for the city, so hard to get them a championship, and I think, as a matter of fact, I know, this is their year, Garndiner said.

We'll soon know if the team will move forward in their quest for a championship. The puck drops at 6 p.m. Thursday.