Sharks Bounce Back With NHL Win

Joonas Donskoi wasn't even born when the San Jose Sharks started in 1991 and hadn't taken part in any of a series of playoff disappointments that haunted the franchise over the years.

On a team full of big-name stars, it was a Finnish rookie who wasn't even supposed to be ready for the NHL this season who delivered perhaps San Jose's biggest goal ever.

Donskoi's goal 12:18 into overtime ended the first Stanley Cup Final game ever in San Jose and helped the Sharks bounce back from two straight road losses to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in Game 3 on Saturday night.

"It's game in, game out different guys stepping up to the plate," center Joe Thornton said. "It was huge he scored. Some clutch goals. He's always around the puck. He always wants the puck."

Joel Ward tied it midway through the third, Justin Braun also scored and Martin Jones made 40 saves to help the Sharks cut Pittsburgh's series lead to 2-1 with their first victory ever in the final. Game 4 is Monday night in San Jose.

Ben Lovejoy scored and assisted on Patric Hornqvist's goal that gave the Penguins a 2-1 lead heading into the third. But Matt Murray let Ward's tying goal in off his glove and then allowed the winner as Pittsburgh lost for just the second time in 51 games when leading after two periods this season.

In an overtime period controlled mostly by Pittsburgh, San Jose got the only goal from a player whose signing out of Finland in May 2015 got little attention. But Donskoi has been a major reason for San Jose's success this season, solidifying himself as a top six forward who can control possession for his team.

Chris Tierney got the puck to Donskoi behind the net. Donskoi skated out front where he beat Murray high to the stick side, setting off a wild celebration in an arena that was full of tension all night.

Blues Alexander Steen Has Surgery

Blues forward Alexander Steen, a key player on a team that advanced to the Western Conference finals for the first time in 15 years, had surgery on his left shoulder that could sideline him for the start of next season.

The 32-year-old Steen is entering his ninth season with St. Louis. The Blues said Friday that he's scheduled to be re-evaluated in 16 weeks.

Steen set postseason career bests with four goals, six assists and 10 points this spring. He was second on the team in the regular season with 52 points on 17 goals and 35 assists despite missing time because of a knee injury.

The team made no mention of the injury when general manager Doug Armstrong and coach Ken Hitchcock met with media earlier this week.

Monday, June 6 Scoreboard

Pittsburgh at San Jose

Game 4 - Penguins lead 2-1, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, June 7

No Games Scheduled

Wednesday, June 8

No Games Scheduled

Thursday, June 9 Schedule (Time Central)

San Jose at Pittsburgh

Game 5 - Penguins lead 2-1, 7 p.m.

Friday, June 10

No Games Scheduled

Saturday, June 11

No Games Scheduled

Sunday, June 12 Schedule (Time Central)

Pittsburgh at San Jose

Game 6* - Penguins lead 2-1, 7 p.m.