SJ Sharks fail to get to playoffs for first time since 2003

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- For the first time since 2003, the San Jose Sharks did not qualify for the playoffs. There are questions about the roster, tension in the locker room and whether head coach Todd McLellan will be back next year.

The Sharks cleaned out their lockers Wednesday after not making the post season for the first time in a decade. They said their goodbyes, signed some autographs, met with their head coach and looked back on a tough year to be a man in teal.

"We're very disappointed sitting here that we're not preparing for a playoffs series tonight. Let's be honest about that," Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson said.

"The meat of our heaviest schedule we did great and then our slack part, we just didn't perform. So who knows what the answer is, but I'm sure everybody's going to try to think about that," Sharks center Joe Thornton said.

Thornton's record for this season was 78 games, 16 goals and 49 assists.

When you don't reach your goals as a team, normally a scapegoat is needed. McLellan has a year left on his contract and would be the most likely candidate, but he wants to talk with his family before he makes his decision on his future.

"The answers you guys are looking for today, I'm not going to be able to give them to you. I need more time, I'm sure the organization needs a little bit more time, so that takes care of that right off the bat," McLellan said.

Every player we talked with supports their coach. Little Sharks forward Joe Pavelski said players win games.

"However we prepare, it's going to need to improve and you got to find a way to take that next step," Pavelski said.

Pavelski led the team in goals with 37 and points with 70.

"I feel very good about coming into the locker room and addressing the group and moving forward," McLellan said.

Wilson claims this year's team was not that far away and thinks the future is bright. He said they have "highly motivated athletes, many who have missed the playoffs for the first time since they've been here. I think they will respond the right way, that's the feedback I'm getting right now."