“Original 22” doesn’t have the history or ring of Original Six, but the Penguins and Sharks have made compelling contributions to the postseason drama this spring. By the time one team achieves that redemption, players’ already shaggy beards might reach their padded shins. None of the seven Canada-based teams qualified, and by the end of the first round the remaining Original Six teams were gone. Their opponent in the Stanley Cup final, starting Monday at Consol Energy Center, will be the Pittsburgh Penguins, who overcame a slow start, a slew of injuries and a coaching change to rank No. The Sharks have never won the Cup or made it to the final; the Penguins last won in 2009 but never established the domination that seemed their destiny after a 21-year-old Sidney Crosby led them to victory.

Source: Los Angeles Times May 28, 2016 22:54 UTC