Despite generating a plethora of chances, the San Jose Sharks looked like they were about to blow a huge double-minor power-play opportunity when they needed a goal so badly.
The Pittsburgh Penguins were mere seconds away from a huge four-minute penalty kill. Plenty of people are slamming Kris Letang for not sitting back on the play above, as Joel Ward eventually rifled home the 2-2 goal in the waning seconds of that PP opportunity.
It stands as the Sharks’ first power-play goal of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final.
Ward has a knack for scoring big goals, really.
4 of Joel Ward's 7 goals in the 2016 playoffs have come in the 3rd period. 3 of 7 have either tied the game or given the Sharks the lead.
— Darin Stephens (@SharksStats) June 5, 2016
Again, Letang drew a lot of critiques, including from a former teammate:
What is Letang doing joining the rush there ??? Short handed in third period. Up a goal.
— Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6) June 5, 2016
Update: That 2-2 goal ended up sending Game 3 to overtime, marking the second straight contest to go beyond regulation.