By Taylor Lupetti
It was a season-ending game for the San Jose Sharks as they were shut out by the Vegas Golden Knights in Round 2-Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, 3-0.
After the Knights took a 3-2 series lead on Friday when they defeated the Sharks 5-3, the rookie-season team needed one more win to clinch the 7-game-series.
The sixth game of the series started with a scoreless first period despite 12 shots on goal from the Knights and 11 from the Sharks.
Vegas’ Jonathan Marchessault and Nate Schmidt came in clutch with goals less than 10 minutes apart. The Knights ended the second period with a 2-0 lead.
Cody Eakin helped send Vegas to the third round with an empty-netter in the final two minutes of the game.
Knights’ goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury made 28 saves for his 70th Stanley Cup playoff win. San Jose goal minder Martin Jones made 30 saves, but it wasn’t enough to carry the Sharks to Game 7.
Despite talk of his return, center Joe Thornton didn’t play in the postseason due to a knee injury. It is still unknown if the NHL veteran will be back next season.
As for left-winger Evander Kane, there is no official word on the newcomer being offered a contract from San Jose. Following the end of the postseason, Kane revealed he was playing with a separated shoulder and MCL injury during the playoffs.
Vegas will play the winner of the Winnipeg Jets-Nashville Predators series in the Western Conference Finals.
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