The San Jose Sharks handled the St. Louis Blues in just about every way to tie the Western Conference Final 1-1.
Brian Elliott deserves credit for helping the Blues stay in the game, but other than that, the Sharks were pretty dominant in winning 4-0.
One area that really jumps out at you is special teams play.
Officiating was a storyline coming into Game 2, and there were plenty of whistles on Tuesday night. The difference was that the Sharks took advantage of their opportunities (with two Brent Burns power-play goals) while the Blues’ man advantage put out a very flat effort. St. Louis did very little on a high-sticking double-minor to Patrick Marleau and squandered other key chances.
Not just the worst power-play in the playoffs, the worst in the league. Only boston is close towards the end of the year.
— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) May 18, 2016
The even-strength game was pretty soundly dominated by the Sharks, as well.
(Score-adjusted possession chart via Hockey stats.)
Of course, Martin Jones was also very sound in earning a 26-save shutout.
It’s the kind of effort that likely left the Sharks feeling very confident.
Joe Thornton feelin' it tonight https://t.co/NmTXmkc1uU
— Jason Gold (@JayGold85) May 18, 2016
A couple new high-marks were set in Sharks’ playoff history as they won this one.
Brent Burns has established a @SanJoseSharks record for goals by a defenseman in a single postseason (6). #STLvsSJS pic.twitter.com/fBZksiapVd
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 18, 2016
Couture has the most points by a @SanJoseSharks player in a single #StanleyCup Playoffs. pic.twitter.com/Wd6dFWsQ4p
— NHL (@NHL) May 18, 2016
Even with all those negatives along with some bumps and bruises, this was still just one contest, and the series now shifts to San Jose tied.
That said, it’s probably not a bold prediction to expect Ken Hitchcock to let his team have it after this listless defeat.
When you remember it's only Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/rMM0kbmdca
— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) May 18, 2016