Game 82: Sharks 3, Kings 2 (FINAL, OT)

The end has arrived. The end of the regular season, that is. Both the Kings and the San Jose Sharks will be in the playoffs, but against whom? The winner of tonight’s game will finish seventh in the Western Conference and face either St. Louis or Vancouver in the first round. All the action is on KCOP Ch. 13 and on 1150-AM and affiliates, with all the game updates here as well…

OVERTIME
In goal: It’s still Quick vs. Greiss.
Sharks 3, Kings 2: The Sharks scored the game-winner with 1:02 remaining in overtime, and a give-and-go play with Dan Boyle and Martin Havlat. Boyle took a stride and beat Quick with a backhand shot. The Kings will face Vancouver in the first round of the playoffs, likely with a Thursday start.

THIRD PERIOD
In goal: It’s now Quick vs. Thomas Greiss, who replaced Niemi.
Kings 2, Sharks 1: Just 35 seconds into the third period, the Sharks scored to make it a one-goal game. Dan Boyle found some open ice in the high slot, took a pass from Martin Havlat and beat Quick with a shot to the top corner. Logan Couture also picked up an assist.
Kings 2, Sharks 2: The Sharks tied the game with a power-play goal at the 8:14 mark. Patrick Marleau was credited for the goal, after his shot from the high slot deflected off Willie Mitchell’s stick and wobbled past Quick. Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture picked up assists.
End of period: The Sharks outshot the Kings 8-6 in the period. The Kings went 1-for-2 on the penalty kill and did not have a power play.

SECOND PERIOD
In goal: It’s still Quick vs. Niemi.
Kings 2, Sharks 0: After the Kings killed off a Sharks 5-on-3 advantage for 1:23, they took a two-goal lead with a power-play goal with 55.7 seconds remaining. Willie Mitchell took a slap shot from the right point that was saved, but Niemi left a rebound to the right of the net. Mike Richards whacked at the rebound and scored, with assists to Mitchell and Alec Martinez.
End of period: The Kings outshot the Sharks 10-9 in the period. The Kings went 1-for-1 on the power play and 2-for-2 on the penalty kill.

FIRST PERIOD
Officials: Eric Furlatt, Brad Meier (referees); Greg Devorski, Mark Wheler (linesmen).
Lineups: Jeff Carter, Davis Drewiske and Kevin Westgarth are the Kings’ scratches. Douglas Murray returns to the Sharks’ lineup.
In goal: It’s the Kings’ Jonathan Quick against the Sharks’ Antti Niemi.
Kings 1, Sharks 0: The Kings took the lead with a power-play goal with 8:51 remaining in the period. Alec Martinez passed to Jarret Stoll, in the middle of the left circle. Stoll looked to the net, then made a pass to the slot to Justin Williams, who scored one a quick deflection in front.
End of period: The Kings outshot the Sharks 15-5 in the period. The Kings went 1-for-1 on the power play and did not face a penalty kill.