Game 7 loss to Kings leaves Sharks still searching for elusive Stanley Cup

San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi, of Finland, reacts to Los Angeles Kings right wing Justin Williams's goal during the second period of Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs, Tuesday, May 28, 2013, in Los Angeles. The Kings advanced to the Western Conference finals with a 2-1 victory over San Jose. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Members of the Los Angeles Kings greet the San Jose Sharks after the Kings win in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs, Tuesday, May 28, 2013, in Los Angeles. The Kings advanced to the Western Conference finals with a 2-1 victory over San Jose. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

For all the talk about how this version of the San Jose Sharks was different, the disappointing end to the season was all too familiar for an organization still waiting for its first trip to the Stanley Cup.

The Sharks were eliminated from the playoffs Tuesday night with a 2-1 loss to the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings, failing to convert on a few agonizingly close chances that will likely haunt the team until next season starts.

San Jose has the second-longest playoff streak in the NHL, having made it to the postseason nine straight times. But every one of those trips has ended short of the Stanley Cup.