All signs were pointing to an inevitable Penguins' Game 5 win Thursday. The anticipation and the way the series had gone dictated that the Penguins were, without a doubt, going to win the Stanley Cup on home ice for the first time in franchise history.
2016 Stanley Cup Final: 3 things we learned from the Sharks in Game 5
Martin Jones. That’s all you need to know.
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Martin Jones had something to say about it, however, as the Sharks shocked the Penguins, 4-2, to bring the series back to San Jose. There's a lot to talk about here, so let's dive right in.
1. Martin Jones is the only reason the Sharks are alive
That's it. That, and maybe the untimely bad goal from Matt Murray at the end of the first period, is why the Sharks are still breathing in the Stanley Cup Final. Jones stopped 44 of 46 Penguins shots in Game 5, including 31 in the final two frames. With spectacular saves like this, Jones singlehandedly spoiled Pittsburgh's party and kept the Sharks alive as a 3-1 series deficit shrinks to a much more manageable 3-2.
2. The Sharks actually had a lead and held it for a significant period of time!
Coming into Game 5, the Sharks had yet to score first and hold a lead over the Penguins -- and no, their overtime win in Game 3 does not count. In Game 5 the Sharks:
- Scored the first goal! A minute and four seconds into the game on a Brent Burns wrap around tally that silenced the crowd early.
- Held their lead! After the Sharks jumped out to the 3-2 lead, Jones kept them from giving it right back. San Jose may have bent, but they did not break.
3. The big names are on the scoreboard, but will it help?
Before Game 5, the Sharks' leaders were quiet on the scoring front. Much of that had to do with the Penguins' stingy defense, but it was still concerning nonetheless. Fast forward to Thursday, and Burns had the key opening goal, Logan Couture had three points on a goal and two assists, and Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton teamed up for the empty-net goal that sealed the win. An empty net goal it may be, but the taste of potting a goal could be enough to wake Pavelski and Thornton from their slumbers. They'll need to have a good Game 6, as Jones might not be able to sustain another huge game like he was able to on Thursday.
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