San Jose Sharks right wing Melker Karlsson (68), from Sweden, and defenseman Paul Martin (7) react Sunday after losing Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals to the Penguins.

ALAMEDA, Calif. — After a two-month playoff run that changed the perception of the star players and a team that had been known for playoff letdowns, the reality of falling two wins short of the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup hit the San Jose Sharks.

Instead of preparing for Game 7 on Wednesday night in Pittsburgh, the Sharks spent Monday saying their goodbyes and reflecting on the most successful season in the team’s 25-year history.

“We were planning on getting on a flight to Pittsburgh,” center Joe Thornton said. “We have such a good group. You just don’t want this thing to end. We really thought we could get this thing to Game 7 and you never know what could happen. It’s just a weird feeling that all of a sudden you’re done with hockey. It just comes to an end. You’re just disappointed that way.”

San Jose’s season ended with a 3-1 loss to the Penguins in Game 6 on Sunday night. After rolling through the Western Conference playoffs, the Sharks were unable to match up with the speedy Penguins.

Pittsburgh’s speed, depth and ability to play from ahead for almost the entire series proved too much for the Sharks to overcome. But that won’t entirely overshadow the fun they had getting to the final for the first time in franchise history.

“It’s disappointing when you lose, but this has just been a great journey,” defenseman Brent Burns said. “You earn the right to play for two months after the season and it’s just a special experience to be a part of that. Obviously you want to win. That’s what we play for. You don’t dream of losing when you’re 3 years old, you want to win.”