But they couldn’t break through against a strong forecheck late to the delight of the loud crowd chanting “Beat LA! Beat LA!” from the start of the night.Īfter taking a 1-0 lead early, the Sharks went more than 15 minutes without a shot before regaining their stride early in the second period. The Kings tried to end it in San Jose, putting pressure on Niemi early in the final period in search of the equalizer. The Kings have lost 11 of 12 road games but have been unbeatable at home, winning all six playoff games and 13 straight at Staples Center since the end of the regular season. While the Kings seemingly have the advantage of home ice that has been so paramount this series, road teams in NHL history are 8-8 in seventh games of series where the home team has won the first six games, according to STATS LLC.ĭustin Brown scored the lone goal for Los Angeles and Jonathan Quick made 24 saves.
