Sharks takeaways: What we learned in 2-1 double-OT Game 6 win in Vegas

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You don't get much more Stanley Cup playoff drama than this. And the Sharks made sure they'll have one more game of it.

After five games of relatively emotional hockey, the Sharks and the Golden Knights played a tight-checking Game 6 at a ferocious pace in what was a pivotal moment for both teams. Vegas had an opportunity to clinch the first-round series on home ice, and San Jose had a chance to force a winner-take-all Game 7.

In the end, Tomas Hertl -- who told the SAP Center crowd after Game 5 that the Sharks would be back Tuesday for a Game 7 -- scored while the Sharks were short-handed 11:17 into the second overtime to give them a 2-1 win.

Here are three takeaways from Game 6 at T-Mobile Arena:

Two words: Martin. Jones.

Any of the Sharks goalie's teammates will tell you he's one cool customer. According to defenseman Brenden Dillon, Jones isn't one to pore over what's said about him on social media. That makes you wonder what was going through his head before Game 6.

Jones was coming off a strong Game 5, but he also was returning to Vegas, where he struggled mightily in Games 3 and 4. There's no denying that a bulk of the focus was on which Jones would show up between the pipes in Game 6.

Needless to say, he was the Sharks' star of the game, after making an all-time franchise-record 58 saves.

San Jose was pinned in its own zone for a good portion of the second period, when Vegas scored its lone goal. But Jones' best save came at the start of the third period, when he absolutely robbed Reilly Smith after the Sharks turned over the puck in the neutral zone. San Jose was completely hemmed in its own zone in the final frame of regulation, not getting a shot on goal for over four minutes.

Without Jones' outstanding performance, the game wouldn't have gone into two OTs.

The celly will be short-lived

No time for the Sharks to celebrate too hard after that win, as it's on to preparations for Game 7 on home ice.

While San Jose did some good things Sunday -- or, in Jones' case, some great things -- it must be better Tuesday. The Sharks were abysmal in the face-off circle, losing 57 of 101 draws, and they had difficulty clearing the puck out of their own zone in the final 40 minutes, giving the Knights far too many chances.

No stopping now

The Sharks need to stop giving the opposition the opportunity to hang around and make things interesting. San Jose looked so worn down by the end of the regulation that it's a wonder the team had anything left in the tank in overtime, let alone double OT.

They have one shot at advancing and facing the Colorado Avalanche in the second round. With momentum gained from this Game 6 win, the Sharks can't miss it.

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