Sharks, Penguins Set For Game Two

The nerves are gone. Spending your franchise's first 20 minutes in a Stanley Cup Final standing around while your opponent zips unimpeded from one end of the ice to the other will do that.

The San Jose Sharks insist they'll be better in Game 2 on Wednesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins than they were in the opener, when the Western Conference champions wobbled out of the gate and never really had control in a 3-2 loss that spoiled the club's debut in the NHL's marquee event after a quarter century wait.

It might have been jitters. It might have been a cross-country trip to face an unfamiliar opponent. Or, maybe the Sharks allowed themselves to briefly get caught up in the moment. Whatever it was, they understand it has to stop if they don't want to head home in a 0-2 hole that would be difficult to escape.

"The home team played a better game than us," San Jose coach Peter DeBoer said. "I think we didn't find a way to get rewarded. The good news was we still had a chance right until the last five minutes to win that game."

Right up until Nick Bonino's floating wrist shot from in front with 2:33 remaining slipped by Martin Jones and gave the Penguins the early advantage in the best-of-seven series. It was Pittsburgh's 41st shot of the night, the most the Sharks have allowed in a regulation playoff game this postseason. That number included 15 in the first period alone as Pittsburgh took a 2-0 lead while San Jose managed all of four on Penguins rookie goaltender Matt Murray.

"I think we were watching," San Jose defenseman Brent Burns joked Tuesday.

Yet Burns pointed to the Sharks' aggressive rally in the second period as evidence they can effectively counter Pittsburgh's speed if they stay tight on the forecheck and pressure the Penguins into sloppy turnovers. Then there was the way Burns tracked down Pittsburgh forward Carl Hagelin, thwarting a breakaway attempt by steering one of the league's fastest skaters away from danger.

"My legs work too," Burns said with a laugh.

Wednesday, June 1 Schedule (Time Central)

San Jose at Pittsburgh

Game 2 - Penguins lead 1-0, 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 2

No Games Scheduled

Friday, June 3

No Games Scheduled

Saturday, June 4

Pittsburgh at San Jose

Game 3 - Penguins lead 1-0, 7 p.m.

Sunday, June 5

No Games Scheduled

Monday, June 6 Schedule (Time Central)

Pittsburgh at San Jose

Game 4 - Penguins lead 1-0, 7 p.m.