Kings 3, Sharks 1
Jonathan Quick set a franchise playoff record with 51 saves as the Los Angeles Kings staved off elimination with a 3-1 road triumph over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday in Game 5 of the Western Conference quarterfinals series.
Wayne Simmonds and rookie Kyle Clifford collected a goal and an assist apiece and Dustin Penner capped the three-goal span in just over five minutes in the first period for seventh-seeded Los Angeles. As a result, the Kings earned a return home to the Staples Center for Game 6 on Monday.
Simmonds opened the scoring after deflecting defenseman Rob Scuderi's point shot at 3:36 of the first period. After Clifford doubled the advantage just over 3 1/2 minutes later by cleaning up a rebound, Penner netted his first of the series 88 seconds later with a blast from the high slot.
After permitting 12 goals in his last two games, Quick kept the high-powered Sharks at bay to extend the series.
Patrick Marleau collected his second goal of the series and 47th career playoff tally at the 5:43 mark for Pacific Division champion San Jose.
Antti Niemi permitted three goals on four shots before being relieved by fellow Finn Antero Niittymaki, who stopped all 18 shots he faced.