Kings Vs. Sharks, Game 2: Power Play Goals Give LA 2-0 Lead

Something everyone knew headed into this series is that one of the San Jose Sharks’ statistical weaknesses was the penalty kill. That has been exposed in full here in period one of Game 2 of their Western Conference Quarterfinal series with the Los Angeles Kings. A pair of power play goals by defensemen have made it 2-0 at HP Pavilion in San Jose.

Kyle Clifford took the game’s first penalty at 8:32 of the first, getting sent to the box for roughing. Once again, the battle between the Sharks’ strong power play and the Kings’ strong penalty kill will likely remain at the forefront of this series. Once again, the Kings were able to shut down the Sharks on the penalty kill. San Jose is now 0-for-4 on the power play in this series, but it’s still early.

Los Angeles, who did have a power play goal in Game 1, got their first shot on the power play when Ben Eager got called for slashing at 11:26. They did once again tonight. Drew Doughty faked a shot, and sent it cross-ice to Jack Johnson, who simply fired one, got a screen in front from Ryan Smyth, and it went past Antii Niemi at 12:13. Los Angeles is now 2-for-3 in the series on the power play, after not having it be a team strength in the regular season.

After a solid shift on offense, the Sharks found themselves on the kill again. Ryan Clowe took an offensive zone penalty, getting taken off for an elbow at 13:50. Late in the power play - with :08 seconds remaining on it - Ryan Smyth made a terrific pass to the slot, where he found Drew Doughty. Doughty drilled it, and the Kings are 3-for-4 on the power play in the series, and up 2-0 on the Sharks in this game.

With 2:08 to go in the period, Ryan Clowe was sent off again, for taking down Drew Doughty. This time, the call was a cross check. This time, the Sharks were able to kill it off, but they still found themselves down by two goals after 20 minutes.