Programming note – Sharks-Oilers coverage starts today at 7:00 p.m. with Sharks Pregame Live on NBC Sports California
SERIES SCHEDULE
Game 1: Sharks 3, Oilers 2 (OT)
Game 2: Friday, April 14, Sharks @ Oilers (7:30 p.m.)
Game 3: Sunday, April 16, Oilers @ Sharks (7 p.m.)
Game 4: Tuesday, April 18, Oilers @ Sharks (7 p.m.)
*Game 5: Thursday, April 20, Sharks @ Oilers (TBD)
*Game 6: Saturday, April 22, Oilers @ Sharks (TBD)
*Game 7: Monday, April 24, Sharks @ Oilers (TBD)
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* - if necessary
PREGAME NEWS AND NOTES
***In its first playoff game in 11 years, Edmonton jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead in Game 1 on Wednesday only to see the Sharks dominate from the second period on, concluding with Melker Karlsson’s first career playoff overtime goal. The Sharks outshot Edmonton 34-9 after the first intermission.
The Sharks will look to take a two-games-to-none lead on the road in the first round for the second straight season. Last year, they beat the Kings in five games after winning the first two at Staples Center.
San Jose Sharks
***One aspect of the Oilers’ game they’d like to clean up is staying out of the penalty box. On Thursday, Todd McLellan made mention of Brent Burns and Joe Pavelski seeing extended minutes on the power play (they had a whopping 9:36 and 8:42, respectively), while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins spent 6:20 killing penalties.
The Sharks generated 13 shots on goal on the power play in six opportunities, including Joel Ward’s early second period goal.
“There’s some good stuff. I thought we created some chances,” DeBoer said of his power play. “I don’t think it’s where we want it to be yet, but there were some good signs and some good opportunities.”
The Sharks had more than three power plays just three times in their final 14 games of the season.
“I felt like we controlled the play most of the second and third periods, so they took more penalties because we had the puck and they were chasing us,” Logan Couture said. “You’re drawing penalties, it means you’re playing pretty well."
***The Sharks lineup will likely be unchanged from Game 1, as indications are that Joe Thornton will remain out. Edmonton appears to be making at least one change, inserting Matt Benning for Eric Gryba on defense. Gryba was caught out of position on Karlsson's game-winner, and took an elbowing penalty on Couture in the second.
KEEP AN EYE ON...
Sharks: Tomas Hertl. The Sharks center posted seven shots on goal, most among forwards, and played his most effective game in months while assisting on Paul Martin’s goal. In his last seven playoff games going back to last season, Hertl has three goals and three assists for six points and a plus-three rating.
Oilers: Milan Lucic. The big forward factored in on both goals in Game 1, with one goal and one assist. He also took an undisciplined slashing minor in the third period, retaliating on a check from Timo Meier, and was credited with a game-high four giveaways.
PROBABLE LINES
Sharks
Melker Karlsson – Logan Couture – Joe Pavelski
Jannik Hansen – Tomas Hertl – Mikkel Boedker
Joonas Donskoi – Patrick Marleau – Joel Ward
Marcus Sorensen – Chris Tierney – Timo Meier
Paul Martin – Brent Burns
Marc-Edouard Vlasic – Justin Braun
Brenden Dillon – David Schlemko
Martin Jones (starter)
Aaron Dell
Oilers
Patrick Maroon – Connor McDavid – Leon Draisaitl
Milan Lucic – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Jordan Eberle
Drake Caggiula – Mark Letestu – Zack Kassian
Benoit Pouliot – David Desharnais – Iiro Pakarinen
Oscar Klefbom – Adam Larsson
Andrej Sekera – Kris Russell
Darnell Nurse – Matt Benning
Cam Talbot (starter)
Laurent Brossoit
INJURIES
Sharks: Joe Thornton (left knee) is doubtful.
Oilers: Tyler Pitlick (torn ACL) is out.
SHARKS PLAYOFF RECORD WHEN…
The Sharks are 8-2 all-time when leading a series 2-0, and 9-5 all-time when a series is tied 1-1.
The Sharks have an all-time Game 2 record of 16-19, including 7-12 on the road.
QUOTEABLE
“What we've done all year is just believe in the process and just stay with it, believe in one another and try to make plays. It’s a long game. May not win it in the next couple minutes, but if you just stay with it and stay positive, [we’ll] give ourselves some chances.” – Joel Ward