"I knew the Sharks were in trouble in the series when...."?

They won the Presidents trophy .

I knew the Sharks were in trouble in the series when...

They learned they were going up against the Anaheim Ducks to begin with. Anaheim was a strong 8 seed, and was supposed to be at least a 7 seed but the Blues made a late run. Out of Columbus/St. Louis/Anaheim that is the one team they didn't want to play in the first round. With Pronger and Neidermayer leading their defense, you know the series will be a challenge. Add that with the playoff experience, decent forwards, and San Jose's history of choking, and you knew this series could go either way.

Sad to say being a huge Sharks fan . . . but I knew they were in trouble before game one. They played bad hockey at the end of the season! Add that with the fact that they don't match up well with the Ducks and you have a recipe for a first round loss. Don't get me wrong I watched every minute of it and cursed at the TV a whole lot . . . but it unfortunately wasn't a huge surprise.

The second they realized the regular season was over. Serious change is due and likely there. Hate to say or think this because I really like big Joe Thornton but it appears Boston management was correct when they said after they traded him he was not a guy they believed could lead a team in the playoffs. Sad...but apparently true.

Went they went down 2-0 in the series!

I agree with the above answer: when they learned they were up against the Ducks.

laced up their skates

couldnt score.....