SAN JOSE -- It comes as no surprise that the first game of the playoffs was an aberration for the Kings who knew they desperately had to respond after getting shellacked in game one.
The Kings did make a statement taking a 2-0 lead after the first period. But that did not phase the Sharks who came back to score three unanswered goals in the second period and four more in the third period to blow out the Kings again by a score of 7-2.
Kings blogger Jason Lewis can break down Los Angeles better than me but this quote from veteran forward Dustin Brown said it best, "We were the best defensive team in the league this year and these first two games we haven't been close to our standard of play. Most of it is off the rush and not managing the puck which we've been good at all year. It's something we need to look at."
Turning point
The Sharks first goal by Mike Brown who ended up being the first star of the game. Brown is obviously not known for his scoring.
Game highlights
Contenders
Raffi Torres - Two goals in two games and he is providing the spark that has been the difference. And Torres is the kind of guy who you love when he's on your team but hate otherwise.
Said teammate Mike Brown, "He's a great player, I love playing with him. His style of play is what we need on the fourth line. All three of us (including Andrew Desjardins) are all on the same page and know what each of us are going to do. You know he's out there and it's good to be on his side."
Mike Brown - besides his physical presence, he scored the first goal of the night which was also his first career playoff goal.
Andrew Desjardins - two assists on the night. The fourth line eventually sparked the other three lines.
Pretenders
Coach Darryl Sutter AND the entire Kings team - In Game one I got criticized for not putting the entire team on the pretender's list. Personally I thought putting the head coach on the list was sufficient since it's his job to get his team prepared. He failed again and now the Kings are in a must win situation heading back to Los Angeles down two games to none.
Mike Richards - penalized for spearing Logan Couture. That's a dirty penalty, something that is rarely called and as a result he got a double-minor for the infraction.
Jonathan Quick - Ok, just like game one he got practically zero help from his defense but still, seven goals allowed on his watch puts him back on the pretenders list.
Notes
San Jose set a new playoff record for most goals at home with seven. ... The Sharks broke their record for most consecutive goals for in a playoff game with seven. ... The Sharks tied their record for most goals for in a period with four. ... San Jose also tied its record for widest margin of victory in a home playoff game with five. ... 12 different Sharks players earned points in game two.
The series shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3, Tuesday at 7 PM. There will likely be a Game 5 in San Jose which will be Saturday night.
Keep your head up,
Ryan Leong
San Jose Sharks Blogger •Credentialed Sharks Writer • 
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