The L.A. Kings busted a must-win game for them wide open early in the third period and that meant San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi got pulled.
Marian Gaborik’s second goal of the game, scored 34 seconds into the final period, gave L.A. a 5-2 lead and San Jose head coach Todd McLellan decided to take Niemi out of the game for Alex Stalock.
Niemi made 21 saves on 26 shots faced.
The Kings are in need of a win to prolong the series. Heading into tonight’s game, they trailed the Sharks 3-0 in the series.