By: Eric He

 

The Sharks got off to a slow start and never completely recovered in a 3-2 loss to the Kings at Staples Center on New Year’s Eve.

San Jose, which had won eight of nine coming into the game, came out flat against a Kings team that had lost five of six. It showed in the first period, as the Kings came out firing pucks left and right at Martin Jones. Tanner Pearson connected on a wrist shot less than five minutes in to give the Kings a 1-0 lead.

Los Angeles led 2-0 heading into the third after a Drew Doughty slap shot on the power play found pay dirt.

However, the Sharks found some life in the third. Brent Burns got them on the board 12 seconds into the period with a wrist shot from the point on the man advantage. The Kings answered with Jeff Carter breaking into the zone. and beating Jones on a semi-break, though Kevin Labanc pulled the Sharks back within a goal with just under six minutes left in regulation.

But a late push by the Sharks with the net empty couldn’t produce the tying goal.

The Sharks were outshot 14-3 in the first period and 27-20 in the game, unable to make up for the poor start. They will have another chance on Tuesday when they play the Kings again, this time at SAP Center.