There are two ways to look at the Kings-Sharks series. You could say the Sharks choked and once again proved they are the great underachievers (true), or you could say that the Kings found their stride at just the right time and orchestrated one of the greatest comebacks in NHL history (also true).
Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights from a wild series.
Best Performance
Anze Kopitar
You could have made a ridiculously strong case that Justin Williams and his Game 7 performance (once again, a Game 7 master) deserve this honor, but Kopitar was a machine.
Kopitar posted 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) during the seven-game series. His line of 10 points is tied for most points of any NHL skater in the first round.
Biggest Goat
The San Jose Sharks
It takes a team to win the Stanley Cup and it takes a team effort to blow a 3-0 series lead. Yes, some players were better or worse than others, but it’s impossible to ignore the fact San Jose had holes across their roster and bad performances throughout Games 4, 5, 6 and 7.
Game That Turned The Tide
Game 5
We easily could have said Games 4-7, but Game 5 was the “this collapse could actually happen” game. The Kings went into the SAP Center, beat the Sharks 3-0 and got the whole word talking about the fact the Sharks might actually throw the series away. From there it was clear the Kings were in the Sharks’ heads and the rest is history.
GIF of the Series
Joe’s face says it all for San Jose fans.
What’s Next for the Kings?
A date with the Anaheim Ducks. Let the California rivalries continue!
What’s Next for the Sharks?
It’s decision time. What do you do after a historic collapse? Is it time to make major changes to the roster? This summer should be an interesting one for San Jose.
