Martin Jones stole the show in Game 2 of the San Jose Sharks’ playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings Saturday night, making 25 saves on 26 shots in 2-1 San Jose win. The Sharks now lead the best of seven series 2-0 with the series shifting back to SAP Center in San Jose for Games 3 and 4.
The Sharks opened the scoring early in Game Two when Joe Pavelski pounced on broken pass from Brent Burns and fired it through Kings defensemen Drew Doughty and past goaltender Jonathan Quick at 03:37 of the first period. Burns and Joe Thornton picked up assists on the goal.
In the second period the Kings let their frustration get the best of them. Tyler Toffoli and Milan Lucic were sent to the penalty box on the same shift, leading to a two-man advantage for the Sharks and an easy tap in goal for Logan Couture, thanks to passes from Pavelski and Patrick Marleau.
Jones kept the Kings off the scoresheet through the first two periods, stopping all 14 shots LA threw at him and is a major reason the Sharks will have a chance to close out the series at home.
Los Angeles had plenty of chances, including a missed breakaway attempt from Marian Gaborik, who missed Game 1 due to an injury. Both teams have shown their hatred for each other through the hit totals, with the clubs combining for 87 hits in Game 2.
The Kings finally solved Jones at 14:59 of the third period after a major scramble in front of the Sharks net led to Vinny Lecavalier snapping the loose puck home for a 2-1 game and another nail biting finish.
Game 3 is on Monday Apr. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in San Jose.
(Article taken from the SRJC Oak Leaf, see the original here.)
Lach in the Crease 