Joe Pavelski – File photo by Jack Lima
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Sharks will advance to the next round after defeating the Golden Knights in a come from behind 5-4 win, at 18:19 minutes into the overtime period.
William Karlsson scored the first goal of the game, at 10:10 of the first period to put the Golden Knights up 1-0. Cody Eakin scored the sole goal of the second period, at the ten minute mark. Las Vegas led by 2-0 into the second intermission.
The story to this game, though was in the third period. Max Pacioretty scored the Golden Knights third unanswered goal at 3:36 into the period. Then, just over nine minutes into the period, following a face-off, Joe Pavelski was cross checked by Cody Eakin, then it was followed up by another player knocking him to the ice. It appeared that he hit his head pretty hard on the ice, as there was a good amount of blood left when his teammates got him up and helped him off the ice. Eakin served a five minute major, and a game misconduct as a result.
Tomas Hertl – File photo by Jack Lima
This would prove to be the turning point. During that five on four, the Sharks were able to score four consecutive power play goals. Logan Couture was first at 9:20, followed by Tomas Hertl, another by Couture and Kevin Lebanc scored the go-ahead goal at 13:21.
Fleury was pulled for the extra skater with just over two minutes remaining in regulation. Several chances were stopped by Martin Jones in the Sharks net, until a shot from Jonathan Marchessault, when his wrister scored with only 47 seconds remaining, forcing the overtime period, with the score knotted at 4-4.
In sudden death overtime, winner take all, this is what these players have dreamed about. The Sharks seemed to be re-awakened by Pavelski’s injury. As the overtime period progressed, there were numerous chances for both teams, but a pass to Barclay Goodrow would be the game winner. Goodrow took the pass at the bottom of the circle, then skated in front of the crease, patiently waiting until Fleury was off balance, and slipping the puck in between Fleury and the post for the game winner.
The second round of playoffs will see the Sharks take on the Colorado Avalanche starting Friday night.
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