San Jose Sharks vs. New York Islanders. The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California. They are a member of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). The team was founded in 1991 and plays its home games at the SAP Center. The Sharks have had success throughout their history, making the playoffs numerous times and reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in 2016. They are known for their aggressive playing style and passionate fan base.