San Jose Sharks Put Los Angeles Kings’ Backs Against The Wall

Apr 22, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) defends the goal against San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl (48) and center Tommy Wingles (57) in game three of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It wasn’t the blowout that the San Jose Sharks put on the Los Angeles Kings in their two games back in San Jose, but the 4-3 overtime win by the Sharks in game 3 put the Kings on the brink of elimination heading into game 4.

The Sharks brought their speed and power game on the road with them, peppering 40 shots on the Kings net.

Patrick Marleau was the overtime hero as his weak backhander through traffic got past Jonathan Quick before he knew what happened.  That goal put the Sharks in a commanding 3-0 series lead, as they became the first road team in the Western Conference to win a game.

The Sharks had got on the board first, with Brent Burns beating Quick with a wrist shot on the power play just over 3 minutes into the game.

Los Angeles actually took the lead in the second period after a power play goal by Jarret Stoll and a backhand by Marian Gaborik just over 3 minutes apart.

Matthew Nieto scored to tie it back up just over a minute later, sending the game to the final period (of regulation) all tied up.

Jeff Carter gave the Kings another lead in the first minute of the third, with the Kings’ second power play marker of the game.  Tomas Hertl tied it up before the period was half over, showing persistence, knocking a third or fourth rebound past Quick.

San Jose’s first chance to eliminate the Kings and get some much needed rest ahead of round 2 will go in Game 4 Thursday night.