LA Kings Can't Stop Sharks Power Play, Lose 3-2 in Game 4, Face Elimination

SAN JOSE – Penalty. Goal. Penalty. Goal. Penalty Goal.

The Los Angeles Kings allowed three power play goals and lost in Game Four 3-2, to fall behind in their best-of-seven first round playoff series 3 games to 1, on Wednesday night at the SAP Center.

There's really no way around the obvious: the Sharks power play was potent and the Kings penalty kill was paltry.

The difference in the game was the power play. All three San Jose goals came on the man-advantage whereas the Los Angeles Kings could not score on any of their power play opportunities on the night.

Jeff Carter was whistled for roughing just 30 seconds into the second period, and Brent Burns scored his second power play goal of the postseason with a slapshot that beat Quick to his stick side.

"For us, we'll get goals if we're doing the right things," Burns told the media. "Last game, it didn't happen and to a man, we felt that it cost us the game. It was great to come back and make a difference tonight."

After two missed power play opportunities of their own, a Rob Scuderi penalty led to another goal for Joe Pavelski. "Joe-Pa" netted his fourth goal of the playoffs when Joe Thornton found him from behind the net.

"Their power play generated great opportunities and our power play did not," said Kings head coach Darryl Sutter. "We couldn't cash in."

San Jose opened up a three-goal lead early in the third period when they went back on the power play after Jamie McBain was called for high-sticking. The Sharks only needed six seconds to score as the third most lethal power play in the NHL did it again after Patrick Marleau found the back of the net.

The Kings would comeback after that, as they refused to go quietly into the night. Defenseman Luke Schenn and center Trevor Lewis scored back-to-back goals in the third period to put L.A. back into the game, but the Kings fell short. 

Schenn appeared to have scored both goals, but the first was changed to Lewis upon further review and the assist was given to Schenn. 

The Kings are now on the brink of elimination as the series shifts back to Los Angeles on Friday night at Staples Center.

Players of the Game:

Brent Burns: goal.
Joe Pavelski: fourth goal of postseason.
Luke Schenn: Two goals.

Three Takeaways:

1. Power Punch: Two nights after going 0 for 5 on the power play, the NHL's third best power play in the league scored three different times while shutting out the Kings on special teams. It was the sixth time in San Jose's playoff history that they scored three or more power play goals in a postseason game and they are 6-0 all-time when they do.

This was the 6th time in Sharks playoff history SJ scored 3 power play goals (6-0 record in those games) — Darin Stephens (@SharksStats) April 21, 2016

2. The Bearded One: Brent Burns scored his second power play goal of the series as the bearded defender continues to give the Kings problems. He scored a goal and an assist on Wednesday night and his slapshots from the blue line have been difficult for Jonathan Quick to stop all series. 

Beard power ➡️ shot power. @Burnzie88. #RBZSuperFast (📹 @NHL) https://t.co/jTPGDB9RKG — CCM Hockey (@CCMHockey) April 21, 2016

3. Cool Hand Luke: Luke Schenn scored what appeared to be two goals, but one was later credited to Trevor Lewis, and Schenn finished with a goal and an assist in the Kings loss to the Sharks. 

C̶o̶o̶l̶ Hot Hand Luke pic.twitter.com/oXlpTa4ieH — LA Kings (@LAKings) April 21, 2016

Up Next:

The series shifts back to Staples Center for Game Five as the Los Angeles Kings face elimination on their home ice on Friday night at 7:30PM PST.

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