It took him 574 regular season games to his earn first taste of Stanley Cup Playoff hockey, however, Evander Kane made a grand entrance to his first NHL playoff game.
On Thursday night, Kane crossed out his name off the list of NHL games played without an appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In 18:13 TOI, Kane landed six shots on goal in eight shot attempts. In so doing, Kane scored the first two postseason goals of his NHL career.
Kane is the first player in @SanJoseSharks history to score multiple goals in his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut.
Kane's first Stanley Cup playoff goal was the game winning goal in Game 1 of the first round series between San Jose and Anaheim.
Martin Jones made 25 saves on all 25 Ducks shots he faced.
New Jersey Devils phenom Taylor Hall also made his first NHL playoff appeanace on Thursday night. Now, Jeff Skinner from the Carolina Hurricanes holds the record (579 games) for most NHL games played without a single NHL playoff game. Buffalo Sabres D-man Zach Bogosian has played 552 games and counting without playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Kane scored two second period goals, one at even strength, the other on the power play.
That's how Kane rolls. The Vancouver native has a fare for high fashion and seizing the biggest of big moments.
Kane, who scored 29 goals during the regular season, nine of which came in a teal and black sweater, scored a power play goal with a two-man advantage to give his team the 1-0 lead at 12:53 of the second period.
Moments later, Kane took a Joe Pavelski pass strong to the rack where he dunked on Ducks goalie John Gibson. Another even strength beaauty for Kane.
Kane's two second period goals silenced the Anaheim home crowd. The Sharks led the Ducks 3-0 after forty minutes of play.
On February 26, Kane was traded to the Sharks in exchange for prospect forward Danny O'Regan, and two conditional draft choices. When Kane, a pending restricted free agent, re-signs with the Sharks, the Sabres will receive Anaheim's 2019 first round draft choice.
Kane has been red hot since his trade to San Jose, as he scored 9 goals and 5 assists for 14 points in 17 regular games with the Sharks.
On Thursday night, Kane potted two goals in his first ever Stanley Cup playoff games. Kane now has 11 goals and 6 assists in 18 games in the teal and black sweater.
Game 2 will be in Anaheim on Saturday night.
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