For the second straight postseason the Vegas Golden Knights and San Jose Sharks competed in a best of seven series. Unlike last season, Game one began in San Jose.

Both teams came out physical and ready to attack. Cody Eakin and Brayden McNabb landed hard bodychecks on Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson setting the early tone of the game. At the 13:35 mark of the first Pierre-Eduard Bellemare got called for a tripping penalty which lead to a Sharks power play. Joe Pavelski scored the series opening goal deflecting a shot from Brent Burns. After twenty minutes of play San Jose held on to a 1-0 lead.

The second period was plagued with penalties. Jonathan Marchessault and Sharks defenseman Brendan Dillon took matching minors, and Derek Engelland, William Carrier, Joe Pavelski and Timo Meier all spent time in the penalty box. San Jose’s Burns wristed a short past Marc-Andre Fleury doubling up Vegas 2-0. Defenseman Marc-Eduard Vlasic added another taking a commanding 3-0 lead. Vegas would get a goal from Mark Stone on tape to tape pass from Max Pacioretty. The two-goal deficit would evaporate ten minutes later when Evander Kane put the Sharks up 4-1 after two periods of play.

Vegas couldn’t get much going in the third as they continued to take penalties. San Jose took advantage and wore down the Golden Knights. Vegas trimmed the lead in half on Stone’s second goal of the game. The Sharks would a late empty-net goal to finish of Vegas 5-2.

The Sharks took the opener and lead the best of seven series (1-0). Game two in San Jose is scheduled for 730 PM on Friday night. (Recap by Jason)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. San Jose Sharks in Game 1 of Round 1 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs

  • Entries, exits, and composure. VGK failed in three of the most important aspects of the game and find themselves in an early hole.

Ken’s Three VGK Stars (This was not easy)

*** William Carrier
** Mark Stone
* Shea Theodore