The Penguins started the game fairly slowly and the Sharks had a few chances but couldn't get any shots off early. The Penguins again were able to outshoot their opponents but failed to get any real quality chances unlike the Sharks. The Sharks are getting quality over quantity and taking their chances, something the Pens could learn from.
The Penguins were lucky to get the lead after a shot by Lovejoy from the line found its way in through Jones. You could have thought that the Pens would put the pressure on and take the game by the scruff but the Sharks came right back and continued to pressure the Penguins defence. Murray had to stand up time and time again. He couldn't do much about Braun's goal where he was screened by his own player, Letang. Based on the periods play though, the Pens would have taken a 1-1 tie going into the first intermission.
The Sharks desire to get on the board really showed in the second period with them dominating the possession of the puck and looking to challenge Murray high up. Despite the Sharks having 9 shots to the Penguins 6. The Penguins managed to edge a lead right at the end of the period. Lovejoy, playing his game of the play offs, took a shot on net which was redirected in by Hornqvist and fooled Jones late. Somehow, Pittsburgh were 2-1 up.
The Penguins just had to see out the third period, a big ask, but do-able. Despite the Sharks only having 7 shots in the third period, they made it count. Joe Thornton sticked up high and earned the Sharks a 4 minute power play. Pittsburgh were able to play the penalty kill superbly and limit the Sharks to just 4 shots on the whole power play, they were unable to stop Joel Ward straight after it expired blasting one from far out in the zone.
Murray should have had that one, it was far out enough to react but it just slipped through. The first bad goal that Murray has given up in a short while. Murray should have maybe done better on Donskoi's over time winner too. The puck was behind the net and Donskoi skated around before turning and firing a shot on his release. The puck went high, Murray's weak spot and crept in. I think Murray was expecting a shot down low and he seemed surprised it found its way in.
Being honest, if you had told me that the Penguins would go into this series with a chance to make it 3-0 in over time of Game 3 I would have taken it. It is 2-1 but the Penguins can respond in Game 4 with the chance of making Game 5 a potential elimination game for the Sharks. Lets go Pens!
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