City of Champions
Fansided

Penguins: Sheary’s OT Heroics Give Pens 2-0 Lead

ByJason Zemcik

Jun 1, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Conor Sheary (43) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning goal against the San Jose Sharks in the overtime period of game two of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at Consol Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Conor Sheary (43) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning goal against the San Jose Sharks in the overtime period of game two of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at Consol Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Pittsburgh penguins took a 2-0 lead in the Stanley Cup Finals with a 2-1 overtime victory against the San Jose Sharks Wednesday night.

On a goal fromConor Shearyjust 2:35 into overtime thePenguinsdefeated San Jose to take a commanding 2-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup Finals. For the better part of 56 minutes Wednesday night it appeared as ifPhil Kesselhad the only goal the Pens would need in a tightly-contested game, netting the lone tally of much of the contest at 8:20 of the second period.

Similar to Game 1 tonight saw the momentum swing back and forth between both clubs, the Pens demonstrating a significant advantage at times but allowing San Jose to remain close and generate opportunities of their own.

In keeping with a common playoff theme the Penguins held the advantage in shots on goal throughout the game but were unable to add to their lead. Failure to convert on the power play well as a host of solid saves by Sharks goaltenderMartin Joneskept San Jose in the game through the second period.

More from Pittsburgh Penguins

At 15:55 of the third, San Jose’sJustin Braunnetted the equalizer, momentarily taking the wind out of the Pens’ sails and bringing into question whether the cruel nature of playoff hockey could see the Sharks seize the momentum that Pittsburgh held for much of the contest and steal the game to even the series.

Thanks to Pens goaltenderMatt Murrayand some fortuitous bounces, they could not. Murray fended off a barrage of San Jose shots late in the third period, one of which struck iron, and the Penguins defense ultimately held strong in withstanding the attack to force overtime.

When the extra period commenced, the Penguins wasted little time. Head coach Mike Sullivan opted to use his timeout early in the extra frame after an extended series that saw San Jose garner the first shots of overtime, a decision that proved to be wise. Moments later Pens captainSidney Crosbycleanly won a faceoff back toKris Letangwho fed Sheary setting up a wrister that beat Jones and moved the Penguins halfway to their fourth Stanley Cup victory.

Next: NHL Safety is a Joke

The series now shifts to San Jose, with the teams getting an extra travel day due to the cross-country trek. Game 3 will take place at the SAP Center in San Jose at 8 PM EST on Saturday.