The Los Angeles Kings visited the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night as both teams closed out the 2011-12 NHL regular season. Both teams knew heading into the game that they were playoff-bound, but also knew that the Phoenix Coyotes had locked up the Pacific Division title and the No. 3 seed in the postseason. Saturday's game still held playoff implications, however, as the winner would be the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference, while the loser would become the No. 8 seed. In the end, the Kings were handed the 3-2 overtime loss and ended the regular season on a down note.
Justin Williams put the Kings on the board first with a power play goal at 11:09 in the first period, Williams' 22nd goal of the season. The Kings extended their lead on another power play goal i the second period, as Mike Richards put his 18th of the season past Antti Niemi.
The Sharks came back in the final period of regulation, getting on the board with Dan Boyle's eighth goal of the year just 35 seconds into the period, then tying it up on a Patrick Marleau power play goal at 8:14. The goal was Marleau's 30th of the season.
The game headed to overtime and appeared to be heading to a shootout when Boyle once again found the net with 1:02 left in the OT period for the Sharks win.
The Kings will face No. 1 seed and Presidents Trophy winners the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the NHL playoffs.
For updates and perspective regarding the Los Angeles Kings, head on over to Jewels from the Crown. For all news and information regarding the San Jose Sharks, please visit Fear the Fin.
