By Chris Shea, staff writer
Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, the Los Angeles Kings can win wherever.
On Feb. 21, the Kings won their seventh consecutive game and jumped ahead of the San Jose Sharks for third place in the Pacific Division after a 2-1 win at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
Just weeks prior to the 2015 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series game, the Kings were just five points out from the second Western Conference wildcard playoff spot with four teams ahead of them. Now they can close in on the Vancouver Canucks to bolster a home ice advantage come the playoffs in April.
Forward Marian Gaborik of the Kings scored the game winner early in the third period after a first period goal from Forward Kyle Clifford. Goalie Jonathan Quick made 31 out of 32 saves in a tremendous outdoor performance.
San Jose Goaltender Antti Niemi made 27 out of 29 saves and Defenseman Brent Burns scored the lone goal for the Sharks who after the game dropped out of play- off contention in the Western Conference with their third loss in four games, sixth in their last eight, and eight in their past 11.
The game was a celebration of hockey being in such a non-traditional market that is Northern California. The loss was ultimately a sting to the Sharks and their faithful.
“This was our show. These were our fans. This is Sharks territory,” Sharks Coach Todd McLellan said, according to nhl.com. “The fact that we lost was disappointing, but to be a part of it, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Gaborik put the Kings up around 4:04 minutes into the third period. After coming off the bench for a line change, Gaborik took the puck away from Burns at center ice, skated in alone at the top of the left circle and beat Niemi with a wicked slap shot to the glove side.
The Sharks had plenty of chances to take the game to overtime, but failed to convert in front of a sold out crowd of 70,205 people. This game may just be the pivotal point for both teams this season as the playoffs near.
The NHL will continue to host the have these outdoor games Detroit Red Wings in the next in 2016 as the Minnesota Wild will host the Chicago Blackhawks and the Colorado Avalanche the next Coors Light Stadium Series.