The hard forecheck of the San Jose Sharks paid huge dividends again in Game 3 on Thursday, as San Jose defeated the St. Louis Blues, 3-0, to take a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference Final.
Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton shine as Sharks blank Blues again in Game 3
San Jose takes a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference Final.
John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
It’s the first series lead in a conference final in Sharks franchise history. The Blues have now failed to score in consecutive games.
Game 4 is in San Jose on Saturday at 7:15 p.m. ET on NBC and CBC.
Brian Elliott had a forgettable night in the Blues' net with three goals allowed on 14 shots. The Sharks line of Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski and Tomas Hertl combined for two goals on the night. Pavelski and Thornton each ended with two assists.
Turnovers set the Blues behind early. St. Louis goalie Brian Elliott was able to turn aside a couple of breakaways in the first period, but the Blues’ turnover at center ice at 15:53 finally did him in. Joe Thornton forced it, and Joe Pavelski completed the quick transition with a pass to Tomas Hertl for the game’s first goal.
That theme continued into the second frame, as the Sharks' forecheck forced the Blues into slow zone exits and turnovers in the neutral zone. St. Louis managed only six shots in the second period, including a power play that fizzled despite a hard shot from defenseman Colton Parayko. San Jose forced another turnover shortly after, and Joonas Donskoi scored on the transition to give San Jose a 2-0 lead.
St. Louis rallied early in the third period with four shots, but San Jose scored their third goal on their first shot of the frame. Thornton and Pavelski cycled the puck behind the net, and Hertl curled around in front and beat Elliott for a 3-0 lead. That forced a goalie change, as Jake Allen replaced Elliott in net.
See More:
