In the end, the Pittsburgh Penguins were simply the better team.

So said San Jose Sharks coach Pete DeBoer, who credited his team for giving their all in the six-game series loss.

"I think first off, you have to give full credit to Pittsburgh. I thought they came out and played a hell of a series," DeBoer told reporters following Game 6 Sunday. "They played their game for much longer stretches than we were able to. They dictated the play. They started quicker than us. That's the reason they're holding the Cup.

"On our end, I'm very proud of our group. I thought our guys emptied the tank, gave us everything they possibly could. We weren't as good as them during this two-week period."

DeBoer added that the Sharks should be proud of what they accomplished after advancing to the final for the first time in their 25-year history, and following several misses along the way.

"Only one team can win. That doesn't take anything away from what those guys accomplished. I don't think anyone should ever question the leadership or the character or the will of the group of men in there. I think it's been misplaced for a decade. I would hope they answered some questions."

Those questions revolved mainly around Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, both of whom remain under contract for one more season.

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