The Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks: A History of Rivalry
The Early Years
The rivalry between the Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks began in 1991 when the Sharks joined the National Hockey League (NHL) as an expansion team. The two teams are located in different conferences, but they have met in the playoffs on several occasions. The Red Wings have won the Stanley Cup 11 times, while the Sharks have never won the championship.
The Rivalry Heats Up
In the 1990s and early 2000s, the rivalry between the Red Wings and Sharks was one of the most intense in the NHL. The two teams met in the playoffs in 1994, 1995, 1996, and 2000. The Red Wings won the first three series, but the Sharks finally got their revenge in 2000, upsetting the Red Wings in the second round.
The 2016 Playoff Series
One of the most memorable moments in the Red Wings-Sharks rivalry came in the 2016 playoffs. The two teams met in the Western Conference Final, and the series went to seven games. The Sharks won the series in overtime in Game 7, and they went on to win the Stanley Cup.
The Rivalry Today
The Red Wings and Sharks are still two of the top teams in the NHL, and their rivalry is still one of the most intense in the league. The two teams have met in the playoffs several times since 2016, and the Red Wings have won the last two series. However, the Sharks are always a threat to win the Stanley Cup, and they are always a tough opponent for the Red Wings.