Sharks fans have mixed emotions about team not playing in Tahoe

Despite issues with the playing surface during Saturday's contest between the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche, the 2021 NHL Outdoors games should be considered a success considering the picturesque setting of Lake Tahoe.

The Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins will wrap up the two-day event Sunday night.

While the response has been mostly positive, there's one fan base that still has a bit of a gripe.

A large portion of the Sharks' fan base wishes their team had been included as one of the four teams to participate. After all, San Jose is the closest NHL city to the Edgewood Resort where the games are being played.

But based on comments from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to the San Jose Mercury News' Curtis Pashelka on Jan. 11, the league decided against selecting the Sharks in part because there would be no fans in attendance. Since they didn't have to allure local fans, the NHL decided to pick for contending teams.

On Saturday, with the Sharks playing the Blues in St. Louis, NBC Sports California decided to ask San Jose fans for their thoughts on the team not being included. Reaction in GIF form was requested.

https://twitter.com/SoniaTyding/status/1363259499700654081

While some fans still were upset, some actually were fine with the Sharks not being included because fans weren't able to go.

I’m with Coach Bob...glad we’re not a part of it (now). pic.twitter.com/OnZrhca4Im

— The Fin Factor (@TheFinFactor) February 20, 2021

I’m fine with it as long as the Sharks can play in a future outdoor game there — once fans can be in the stands. pic.twitter.com/GOPXaEx2qh

— Cody Kitaura (@codytoshiro) February 20, 2021

Forget about the Sharks or any Cali teams being in it...this is great for Tahoe having other teams in it, much better for coverage and viewership. Better for Tahoe’s economy. Broadcast the beauty of Tahoe to those out East that don’t know or haven’t seen Tahoe

— Justin Michael (@JustinOertel) February 20, 2021

glad that they didn't waste their chance at an outdoor game on one i couldn't attend anyway pic.twitter.com/JXdALLuD7e

— Jordan (@sirjordandodge) February 20, 2021

Sharks vs Anaheim, LA, or Vegas would have made more sense. #Rivalries pic.twitter.com/VBsqKhXPeG

— Zak Kroft (@Zakman200) February 20, 2021

pic.twitter.com/rYs70dEMpM

— Kimberlee Ables (@kaables) February 21, 2021

Disappointed, but at this point, I'm more pic.twitter.com/jQpA0aBuwk

— Felix (@felixchowmusic) February 20, 2021

pic.twitter.com/FBRUgP7czx

— Mike B (@iMike1985) February 20, 2021

https://twitter.com/Dakota__Floyd/status/1363263178382057474

I think it's stupid, Sharks-Vegas rivalry would draw just as much as two good teams. Although after the ice issues, seems like it's better off we avoided it. But aren't we glad it happened to Vegas?? 😂😅 pic.twitter.com/JfkHX7eFgC

— Jamie Faue (@BrickWallJamieF) February 21, 2021

pic.twitter.com/PxSyJRdbMd

— trivialpershoot (@trivialpershoot) February 20, 2021

pic.twitter.com/zf0gzmecoX

— Sharkie Corral (@Roxburyer42) February 20, 2021

pic.twitter.com/Y6oTzNDcVJ

— Sharkie Corral (@Roxburyer42) February 20, 2021

https://twitter.com/ImJeffSchroeder/status/1363265701385936896

While the Sharks would have relished the opportunity to play in the marquee, nationally televised event, they are probably better off focusing on turning their season around. Following Saturday's 5-4 win over the Blues, San Jose now has a 7-7-2 record and sits in seventh place in the West Division.

RELATED: Kerr empathizes with NHL's battle against outdoor elements

The good news for the Sharks is that they begin an eight-game homestand Monday against the Minnesota Wild. It's the perfect chance for them to build momentum and make a playoff push.