Alter: This time around, Sharks have more bite
Not many predicted the Sharks would be up 2-0 on the Los Angeles Kings heading back to San Jose. But that's precisely the case - and it should come as a surprise to no one.
Since the late-February trade deadline, the Sharks have been playing their best hockey, outshooting and outchancing their opponents by a large margin. They're also the NHL's undisputed best road team.
Some may say the Kings have the Sharks right where they want them. In 2014, San Jose had a 3-0 stranglehold in its first-round series with Los Angeles. The Kings won four straight, outscoring the Sharks 18-5 en route to winning their second Stanley Cup in three seasons.
These Sharks, though, appear different.
In 2014, San Jose came out flying, outscoring L.A. 13-5 in the opening two games. Down 2-0 in Game 2 after the first period, the Sharks exploded for seven goals in about 26 minutes, winning 7-2. San Jose took full advantage of defensive coverage mistakes by its opponent.
"If we're not playing the way we're supposed to, having the coverage we're supposed to, then those types of things are going to happen," Kings defenseman Robyn Regehr said after his team's loss.
Through two games of this season's series, Los Angeles isn't making the same mistakes that led to the blowouts of 2014. Games 1 and 2 were intense. They had a do-or-die feel to them, already, both one-goal games, and the Sharks are showing the kind of resilience that may give them the mental edge they previously lacked.
In Game 1, the Sharks blew a 2-1 lead and fell behind 3-2 after Trevor Lewis scored shorthanded late in the second period. In the past, that would've been it for the Sharks. Instead, they responded, with Tomas Hertl scoring 30 seconds later to tie the game. Seventeen seconds into the third period, captain Joe Pavelski scored what would hold up as the game-winner.
Game 2 played out a bit differently, with San Jose jumping out to an early lead. Despite relentless pressure from the Kings in the final half of the third period, the Sharks held on, with first-year playoff goalie Martin Jones standing tall.
The Sharks have struggled in the playoffs since they entered the league in 1991, and are known for their spring collapses. This could be the year the narrative changes.
Music City surprise
The Predators have a 2-0 lead on the Anaheim Ducks as the series shifts to Nashville. It's the first time the Predators have won the opening two games of a playoff series in their history.
"We were just stupid out there," Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau said after Game 2. "The penalties we take sometimes are just so selfish and so dumb. Quite frankly, we don't deserve a break if we're just going to be yelling and being stupid all night long."
In Game 2, Nashville had five power-play opportunities, compared to Anaheim's one. Shea Weber's goal with the man advantage held up as the winner.
Jimmy's gettin' the hook
After losing the opening two games in Tampa Bay, Detroit switched things up in a big way in Game 3, going with goaltender Peter Mrazek over Jimmy Howard. The Red Wings played a much tighter defensive game, allowing Mrazek to settle in, and he needed to make only 16 saves for the shutout.
It was Mrazek’s third career playoff whitewash, and all three have come against the Lightning. This raises the question: Why didn't Mrazek start in goal in Game 1?
Phil the net
Phil Kessel has two goals and an assist in two playoff games with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He's up to 15 goals and 24 points in 24 career postseason games, showing he can be a valuable piece on a team ready to win.
Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, it has other issues right now. After a solid debut playoff start from Jeff Zatkoff, he struggled in Game 2, allowing four goals on 28 shots. It'll be interesting to see how the Penguins adjust as the series shifts to Madison Square Garden.