Sharks Let Go Coach Wilson After 3rd Straight Second-Round Exit In Playoffs

San Jose, CA (AHN) - The San Jose Sharks pulled the trigger on coach Ron Wilson on Monday, nearly two weeks after the club faltered in yet another exit in the postseason.

Wilson helped the Sharks nail their second Pacific Division title under his helm, but the NHL's hottest team heading to the postseason couldn't translate that magic into the playoffs. San Jose barely handled Calgary in the first round this year 4-3 then dug out of an 0-3 hole against Dallas only to lose 4-2 in the Western Conference semifinals.

"Ron helped foster a new era in San Jose Sharks hockey with some record-setting, regular-season performances," general manager Doug Wilson told the Associated Press. "However, ultimately we have decided that it is time for a different voice and a different approach to lead this team. We are proud of what we've accomplished as an organization, but we feel that this team is capable of achieving greater success."

This year's third straight second-round exit was the last straw for Wilson, who arrived in San Jose barely midway in the 2002-03 season. The Sharks missed the playoffs that year but with Wilson in control for a full season, the team made it all the way to the conference finals in 2003-04.

Last season, San Jose tallied 107 points in the Western Conference then outdid that this year, amassing 108 to finish in second behind Detroit for the most points in the league. The Sharks' 49-23-10 record was the fourth straight time they had at least 43 wins with Wilson behind the bench.

"You look at my record, it's second to none, literally, in the sport, so I'm not even worried about that," said the coach, who wrapped up a 28-24 record in the playoffs with San Jose. "I don't think there has to be too many things changed about our team. We're ready to roll next year, too. We've accomplished more since I've been here than any other team in the league except win the Stanley Cup. That's the next thing we check off on our list."

The 52-year-old coach first saw action on the bench at Anaheim from 1993 to 1997, then transferred to Washington, where he helped the Capitals to two playoff appearances. Wilson owns a career 518-426-101 record in all the three teams he has coached.