Sharks vs. Kings Final Score: San Jose Tops Los Angeles 2-1 in OT to Win Game 3
By Josh Hill
The San Jose Sharks had their backs up against the wall, and after falling into a 0-2 hole against the Los Angeles Kings, they needed to get a game and get one fast. It took extra hockey to accomplish but the Sharks indeed got that game, beating the Kings in overtime to grab Game 3 and put it in the bag. But while the series lead has been cut in half, the Sharks still have a lot of work to do if they want to make this a series with the Kings.
Logan Couture was forced to leave the game after crashing into the boards for the Sharks, but he ultimately returned and it was for the better if you’re a San Jose fan. Not only was Couture effective when he returned, he scored the game winning goal for the Sharks and helped get them back into this series. Antti Niemi was perfect on the night save for a single goal allowed in the first period.
But while the Sharks got back into the series Saturday night, there is work to be done. San Jose lost Martin Havlat after just six shifts and his production will be missed if he’s lost for the remainder of the series.
As for the Kings, no one expected a series sweep so this loss isn’t much of a devastation for Kings fans. Still, there could be cause for concern if the Kings are unable to win Game 4 and are sent back to Los Angeles with the series tied. San Jose has one more home game to figure the Kings out and that’s something Los Angeles can’t allow.
Still, this is finally looking like a series that might go the distance and hockey fans in California will plenty pleased if that happens.