Kings fall, 3-2, to Sharks in OT

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In Los Angeles Friday night, the San Jose Sharks’ Kevin Labanc struck for the game-winner in overtime to give the Sharks a 3-2 win over the Kings.

“To get the first win, especially in Staples Center, it’s a pretty good feeling and it’s a great way to start the road games,” Labanc said.

Martin Jones made 19 saves in the win.

“You know when you come in here you’ve got to be prepared to play a man’s game and you’ve got to be prepared to battle in order to get two points,” San Jose coach Peter DeBoer said. “Our guys, in my time here, have really risen to the occasion when we’ve come in here and done that.”

Evander Kane and Timo Meier scored in regulation for the Sharks who got their first win over the season.

“Well, they always say the Finns play a North American style, so they are easy to play with. They work well together, and I seem to work well with them,” Kane said of his line’s play.

Tyler Toffoli and Anze Kopitar struck for the Kings goals.

Kopitar’s goal cut the Kings’ deficit in half after the sharks had taken an early 2-0 lead in the first period.

“Once [we] got the first goal, we just kind of settled down and started making plays,” Kopitar said. “Unfortunate to only get a point out of it, but I think we should be encouraged from this game. Obviously there is some stuff to work on, but it’s the first game of the season, so not everything is going to be perfect.”

Illya Kovalchuk played in his first NHL game in six seasons and was a plus-1 on the night.

“Sometimes we can’t even get in the zone, it’s unacceptable,” Kovalchuk said. “(Coach) John [Stevens] put us out there. He believed in our skill and our willingness to do the right things, and we have to do it to be able to win.”

[WATCH: All Sharks vs. Kings highlights]

Jonathan Quick made 30 saves in taking the loss.

“Probably the most encouraging things were the way [Kopitar], Iafallo and Kovalchuk we’re playing. Far and away the most jump Kovalchuk’s had there, and he made a lot of things happen out there,” LA head coach John Stevens said after the loss.