The Pittsburgh Penguins dominated the San Jose Sharks in the first period of Game 1, no doubt about it.
Even so, the Sharks entered the middle frame down 2-0, and responded rather than shriveling up. They basically switched roles with the Penguins in the second period, ultimately tying things up 2-2.
The first goal was one Matt Murray would probably like back (even more than a goalie would want any goal back, mind you), as Tomas Hertl beat him five-hole for a power-play goal.
Witness the Sharks’ first-ever goal in a Stanley Cup Final:
Fittingly, a grizzled veteran and longtime face of the Sharks’ franchise tied it up, as Patrick Marleau made it 2-2 with a clever wraparound:
Eighteen seasons later, Marleau scores his first #StanleyCup goal in the city he was drafted in. pic.twitter.com/CzyQ2Owjco
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 31, 2016
Freeze frame. #StanleyCupFinal pic.twitter.com/eOMPAXOW7P
— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) May 31, 2016
Which team will win the third period? Could we see overtime? Find out on NBC.
It's all tied. Click here to stream the final period of Game 1 of the #StanleyCupFinal: https://t.co/NyJJzU1F55 pic.twitter.com/tolkXRm5ey
— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) May 31, 2016