Sharks edge Kings 3-2 in overtime

SAN JOSE , Calif. – The San Jose Sharks scored first and last, to secure the win in game one of the Western Division quarterfinal playoffs, with a final score of 3-2 over the Los Angeles Kings in overtime.
 
Game one comprised of two California teams, the north and the south, the San Jose Sharks against the Los Angeles Kings.   These teams were split in six games in the regular season, with two of those games going into overtime duels.   This game was destined to be a display of fortitude.
 
Only 28 seconds into the first period, a goal by Dany Heatley with assists from Ryan Clowe and Ian White, put the Sharks on the board first.   The goal broke a Sharks playoff franchise record for the earliest goal scored. The goal would be the only one in the first period.
 
A hard check by the Kings to White against the boards by Jarret Stoll sent White to the locker room late in the first, not to return to the ice for the duration of the game. The play did not result in any penalties.   No further details on White’s condition were available at press time.
 
In the second period, a power play goal by LA’s Dustin Brown, a slap shot at 7:25 to even the score. Justin Williams had the assist.   But the Shark’s Logan Couture came back to bury the puck at 10:23.   Clowe and Douglas Murray were credited on the assists. However at 16:20, Kings’ William’s beat Antti Niemi on a backhand shot, assisted by Ryan Smyth, to tie the teams at 2-2.
 
Williams return to the ice for the post-season follows a shoulder injury that caused him to miss the last nine games of regular season.
 
The Sharks are hoping Niemi’s past Cup experiences will help them to continue the duration of the playoffs, leading them to the 16 wins needed to hoist the esteemed cup.   Niemi is the only goaltender in the post-season with a Stanley Cup ring.
 
The two teams played the third period without a goal, forcing the overtime.
 
Late in the third, a tripping penalty by King’s Drew Doughty, gave the Sharks a chance, but the team know as having one of the best power play’s in the regular season, could not find the solution to Jonathan Quick’s net minding.
 
It would be Joe Pavelski in overtime, as a result of a turnover high in the Kings zone, sends Clowe up the slot for the screen, as Pavelski beats Quick to the net.   The final goal came at 14:44 minutes into the overtime period.
 
Niemi gets the win with 33 saves, while Quick takes the loss with 42 saves.
 
The game was played before an extremely loud and rambunctious crowd of 17,562.  
 
The Sharks win the first of the seven game series with a final score of 3-2.   Game two will be Saturday, April 16 at the HP Pavilion.
 
Contact the writer at Shellie.Lima@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at Jack.Lima@prohockeynews.com