Sharks vs. Kings Game 7: Score, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

The Los Angeles Kings hung on for the 2-1 Game 7 victory over the San Jose Sharks Tuesday night, advancing to the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive season.

The first period was a back-and forth-affair. While the Kings only got off three shots on goal, that wasn't a great indicator of the level of pressure the L.A. offense exerted on the visitors. The Sharks ended up blocking eight shots in the period.

Meanwhile, San Jose got off five shots on goal, while winning 10 of 13 faceoffs. Los Angeles was also physical from the start, racking up 20 hits in the first 20 minutes alone. 

James Neveau of NBC Chicago tweeted:

The first period ended with both teams tied, 0-0.

Just over a minute into the second period, Logan Couture had a prime chance to give the Sharks the lead, but Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick made a stellar save on the veteran's nine-foot backhand.

At the 2:46 mark, San Jose's Brent Burns was whistled for interference, which proved to be costly. On the ensuing power play, Justin Williams pushed the puck past Sharks goaltender Antti Niemi after it rebounded off the boards.

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com:

At the 4:11 mark, the Kings had the lead, 1-0.

It got worse for the Sharks later in the period, as Justin Williams was the hero again for Los Angeles, scoring on a 24-foot wrist shot, assisted by Anze Kopitar and Slava Voynov.

At the 7:08 mark, the Kings were leading, 2-0. Bruce Arthur of the National Post quipped:

At the 7:44 mark, San Jose's Bracken Kearns was given two minutes for tripping Jake Muzzin. Williams had a shot at a hat trick at the 8:17 mark, but Niemi made a brilliant save on the 18-foot slap shot.

The action was intense for the remainder of the period, but San Jose wasn't able to cut into Los Angeles' lead. The Kings had a 2-0 advantage going into the final period.

Just as it appeared the Kings would cruise to victory, the Sharks struck at the 5:26 mark, as Dan Boyle swung home a 58-foot slap shot. San Jose wasn't going to go quietly. James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail was blunt:

But the Sharks ultimately weren't able to come through again, as the Kings won a thrilling affair in front of their hometown Staples Center fans.

While a lot of praise will undoubtedly be heaped on Justin Williams for his two goals, Quick was outstanding throughout, notching 25 saves.

Apparently, playing soccer before a hockey game doesn't increase your chances of winning.