Game 1 didn't turn out the way the San Jose Sharks had hoped it would in their 3-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. After getting way outmatched in the first period, the Sharks settled down and played their game in the second to even the score at two apiece. A late goal broke the Sharks' back in the end for the 3-2 defeat, and the Penguins came away with the 1-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final.
2016 Stanley Cup Final: 3 things we learned from the Sharks in Game 1
A bad start was overcome by solid goaltending, but the Sharks were outdone in Game 1 by a score of 3-2.
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1. The Penguins are the fastest club the Sharks have faced
And it’s really no contest. Pittsburgh’s speed has been the killer of every team they’ve come up against thus far, and in the first period of Game 1 it was clear that the Sharks were not ready at all. The tape can only tell you so much, and no team they’ve played thus far has been able to match the Penguins’ speed to prepare them for what was to come. Pittsburgh’s speed in the opening 20 minutes was the difference in the end.
2. San Jose has the edge on the power play, so far
The Penguins had no luck on any of their three power plays in Game 1, but the Sharks only needed one to make a difference. San Jose got their comeback started on a power play with Tomas Hertl late in the Sharks' first chance on the extra man advantage. Their second didn't go so well late in the game down 3-2, but the advantage goes to the Sharks for their 1-for-2 night that helped spark their two-goal comeback.
3. Martin Jones deserves all of the praise for keeping the Sharks in Game 1
Turning away 38 shots on 41 attempts should get Jones heaps of praise for holding the Sharks within striking distance until the final few moments. It’s hard to blame Jones for Nick Bonino’s game-winner from point-blank range when his defense was subpar and his play up until that point had been stellar. Despite the loss, it’s something the Sharks can hold on to as they transition to Game 2.
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