On Saturday afternoon, the San Jose Sharks and the St. Louis Blues played the second game in their best-of-seven series in the opening round of the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. The Sharks held a 1-0 lead in the series heading into the game, but an ignominious beginning gave way to an unceremonious end and the Blues evened the series by taking Saturday's game, 3-0.
In the first period, a Vladimir Sobotka shot slipped under the legs of Antti Niemi. Marc-Edouard Vlasic was on the scene and attempted to clear, but inadvertently tipped the puck in for an own goal at 1:31 and a 2-0 Blues lead. Sobotka was credited with an unassisted goal.
In the second period, the intensity ramped up significantly as hard hits were exchanged by both sides and more than a couple of scuffles broke out, one of which erupted into a significant fight. At 13:49, David Backes slipped another goal past Niemi to take a 2-0 lead.
The Sharks had a power play opportunity in the final 10 minutes of regulation but came up empty. The final three minutes of play featured a St. Louis power play that turned into another fight that resulted in a 5 on 3 for the Blues and one last goal to seal the win for the home team. T.J. Oshie got credit for the final goal at 19:35. After play ended, there were a slew of fights on the ice. Emotions will continue to run high as the series heads back to San Jose for game three.
For all news and information regarding the San Jose Sharks, please visit Fear the Fin. For updates and perspective on the St. Louis Blues, head on over to St. Louis Game Time. For complete coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NHL hub.
