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NHL Outdoors Lake Tahoe games: Sharks fans react to team not included
Sharks jump out to three-goal lead, hang on for win vs. Blues
Sharks fans have mixed emotions about team not playing in Tahoe originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Despite issues with the playing surface during Saturday's contest between the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche, the 2021 NHL Outdoors games should be considered a success considering the picturesque setting of Lake Tahoe.
The Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins will wrap up the two-day event Sunday night.
While the response has been mostly positive, there's one fan base that still has a bit of a gripe.
A large portion of the Sharks' fan base wishes their team had been included as one of the four teams to participate. After all, San Jose is the closest NHL city to the Edgewood Resort where the games are being played.
But based on comments from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to the San Jose Mercury News' Curtis Pashelka on Jan. 11, the league decided against selecting the Sharks in part because there would be no fans in attendance. Since they didn't have to allure local fans, the NHL decided to pick for contending teams.
On Saturday, with the Sharks playing the Blues in St. Louis, NBC Sports California decided to ask San Jose fans for their thoughts on the team not being included. Reaction in GIF form was requested.
Hi, everyone! The NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe has begun, and despite SJ being the closest team in the league to the venue, they weren’t invited!
What are your thoughts on the #SJSharks not playing in Tahoe? Drop a GIF to describe your reaction.
Reply to me before the 2nd per!— Sonia T (@SoniaTyding) February 20, 2021
While some fans still were upset, some actually were fine with the Sharks not being included because fans weren't able to go.
I’m with Coach Bob...glad we’re not a part of it (now). pic.twitter.com/OnZrhca4Im
— The Fin Factor (@TheFinFactor) February 20, 2021
I’m fine with it as long as the Sharks can play in a future outdoor game there — once fans can be in the stands. pic.twitter.com/GOPXaEx2qh
— Cody Kitaura (@codytoshiro) February 20, 2021
Forget about the Sharks or any Cali teams being in it...this is great for Tahoe having other teams in it, much better for coverage and viewership. Better for Tahoe’s economy. Broadcast the beauty of Tahoe to those out East that don’t know or haven’t seen Tahoe
— Justin Oertel (@JustinOertel) February 20, 2021
glad that they didn't waste their chance at an outdoor game on one i couldn't attend anyway pic.twitter.com/JXdALLuD7e
— Jordan (@sirjordandodge) February 20, 2021
Sharks vs Anaheim, LA, or Vegas would have made more sense. #Rivalries pic.twitter.com/VBsqKhXPeG
— Zak Kroft (@Zakman200) February 20, 2021
— Kimberlee Ables (@kaables) February 21, 2021
Disappointed, but at this point, I'm more pic.twitter.com/jQpA0aBuwk
— Felix (@HockeyNGhosts) February 20, 2021
— Mike Barkoff (@iMike1985) February 20, 2021
— Dakota Floyd (@Dakota__Floyd) February 20, 2021
I think it's stupid, Sharks-Vegas rivalry would draw just as much as two good teams. Although after the ice issues, seems like it's better off we avoided it. But aren't we glad it happened to Vegas?? 😂😅 pic.twitter.com/JfkHX7eFgC
— Jamie Faue (@BrickWallJamieF) February 21, 2021
— trivialpershoot (@trivialpershoot) February 20, 2021
— Brian Corral (@Roxburyer42) February 20, 2021
— Brian Corral (@Roxburyer42) February 20, 2021
Whatever grows the game, I’m all for, no matter which teams they choose
— ImJeffSchroeder (@ImJeffSchroeder) February 20, 2021
While the Sharks would have relished the opportunity to play in the marquee, nationally televised event, they are probably better off focusing on turning their season around. Following Saturday's 5-4 win over the Blues, San Jose now has a 7-7-2 record and sits in seventh place in the West Division.
RELATED: Kerr empathizes with NHL's battle against outdoor elements
The good news for the Sharks is that they begin an eight-game homestand Monday against the Minnesota Wild. It's the perfect chance for them to build momentum and make a playoff push.
