After both teams found the back of the net twice in the first period, the Canucks scored the lone goal in the second period to give Vancouver a 3-2 lead through forty minutes.
Sharks Vs. Canucks, Game 2: Kevin Bieksa Scores To Give Vancouver 3-2 Lead After Second
Both teams came out trying to limit the chances in the second period. After the first period showcased 26 total shots, through the first seven minutes of the second the Sharks and Canucks managed just two shots on net with both of them by Vancouver. The Canucks are limiting San Jose’s opportunities early as they aren’t allowing the Sharks much offensive zone time in the second period. It took 6:34 for the Sharks to get their first shot of the second period.
The Canucks finally scored on one of their numerous chances as Kevin Bieksa gave Vancouver a 3-2 lead with 7:55 left in the second period. Bieksa took a pass from Christopher Higgins, found himself on a breakaway, froze Antti Niemi for a split second and shot the puck between his legs for the goal. The goal was Bieksa's third goal of the playoffs and Dan Hamhuis had the other assist on the play.
The first fight of the series came with three minutes left in the second period as Kevin Bieksa and Patrick Marleau squared off in the Vancouver offensive zone. Marleau appeared to be trying to get a spark for his team but it didn't appear to pay immediate dividends as the Sharks took more undisciplined penalties from Ben Eager than finding scoring chances.
The Canucks finished the period as they started it, continuing to seem like they were in control of the game. After keeping the Sharks shotless through the first six minutes of the game, San Jose finished the period with a respectable nine shots compared to the 14 that Vancouver got on net. The Canucks are now outshooting the Sharks 27-22 in the game and will start the third period on the powerplay.
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