Los Angeles Kings Not Done Yet, Beat San Jose Sharks Again
Apr 26, 2014; San Jose, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Jarret Stoll (28) attempts to gain control of the puck between San Jose Sharks defenseman Scott Hannan (27) and goalie Alex Stalock (32) during the second period in game five of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Kings will probably still lose this series, because the odds of coming back from down 0-3 are pretty miniscule, but at the very least they are not going to go down without a fight. And when it comes to the perennial underachieving San Jose Sharks, each loss probably creates a bit of uneasiness as they fail to finish off the series.
Jonathan Quick made 30 saves for his first shutout of the postseason and second straight win while staring down the barrel of elimination to keep the Kings alive.
Tyler Toffoli scored what proved to be enough with the opening goal 8:09 in, but for good measurement and a little insurance Anze Kopitar doubled the lead just under 5 minutes later. Jeff Carter made it a 3 goal game and sent Antti Niemi to the bench for the second straight game 22 seconds into the second. Alex Stalock came in to relieve Niemi and he was perfect in making 22 saves, perhaps creating a bit of controversy as the Sharks fight off past demons.
The pulling of goalies combined with
Dan Boyle‘s obviously frustrated post-game media scrum has to give the Kings a glimmer of hope. (Video from
)
The Sharks will try to finish it off in LA on Monday night to avoid more questions and having to beat Quick in a game 7.