Sharks Game 36 Recap: Sharks 3, Kings 0 (4/2/21)

 The Sharks extend their win streak to three as they shut out the Kings 3-0 Friday night. 

San Jose continues to click and remain hot coming off a two-game sweep of the Minnesota Wild. The Sharks jumped out to an early lead in the first on a shot from Nikolai Knyzhov tipped in by Tomas Hertl. Also involved on that play is Rudolfs Balcers getting the secondary assist. Team Teal also had plenty of great chances in front of Cal Petersen. 

The Sharks extended their lead in the second period on a goal by Timo Meier, with assists from Tomas Hertl and Rudolfs Balcers. Kings coach Todd McLellan challenged Timo's goal for goaltender interference, but it was unsuccessful as Cal Petersen was still able to get into position to make a save on that play. 

In the third period, Dylan Gambrell scored to give the Sharks a 3-0 lead. However, Todd McLellan used another coach's challenge, and Gamby's goal was overturned due to the Sharks being offside prior to scoring. Last but not least, Rudolfs Balcers finds the empty net on a great pass from Brent Burns in the final minute of the game to get the Sharks' three-goal lead back. In addition, Brent Burns recorded his 500th career assist on the Balcers empty-netter.

Most importantly, this game wouldn't have gone the way it did if it weren't for Martin Jones, who tallied a 30-save shutout. He also improved his save percentage to .903 and made some clutch stops throughout this game. 

This has only been the second three-game win streak the Sharks have had all season. As for the West Division standings, San Jose now sits three points out of a playoff spot, leapfrogging the Kings and within reach of the Blues and Coyotes. 

The Sharks will try to make it four consecutive wins when they face the Kings again tonight in the second game of this two-game set at 7 pm PT. Their lineup will basically remain the same as it did last night. Martin Jones will get the start in net tonight in LA, who has performed well against the Kings for much of the season. 

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App