San Jose Sharks’ playoff experience vital in comeback win

On Wednesday night, the San Jose Sharks proved that experience is a huge factor in the Stanley Cup playoffs with their victory over the Edmonton Oilers.

Playoff hockey, arguably the most entertaining and suspenseful series of games in the sports world, kicked off on Wednesday. In a first-round matchup, a banged-up Sharks squad faced off against a Oilers lineup starring the Art Ross Trophy winner, Connor McDavid.

The biggest test for the Sharks will be keeping McDavid off the score sheet. In Game 1 they did a decent job, limiting McDavid to one point. McDavid notched an assist on a power play in the first period, but was essentially neutralized the rest of the game. Credit to veteran Marc-Edouard Vlasic, one of, if not the best matchup defenders in hockey, for keeping McDavid quiet.

The tale of the tape coming in was how the Sharks’ experience would match up against the Oilers’ youth and speed. The Sharks participated in the Stanley Cup Final last season. On the other hand, the Oilers have a collection of young players entering the first playoff games of their careers.

The Oilers got out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first period, putting the Sharks on their heels. Shots were even at 10. However, once the Sharks got on the ice to start the second, momentum shifted.

The Sharks scored early into the period, courtesy of veteran forward Joel Ward, and never looked back. The Sharks out-shot the Oilers 34-9 from the second period into overtime, and completely dictated the flow of the game. Another veteran, defenseman Paul Martin, tied the game five minutes into the third period, setting up overtime.

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In overtime, Melker Karlsson scored on a breakaway, assisted by captain Joe Pavelski, giving the Sharks a win. In the end, veteran leadership helped San Jose stay composed and helped it capture a vital win in Edmonton.  In this battle, experience proved to be the key to victory.