Sharks vs. Penguins: Preview of Game 2 of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final

Game 1 of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final is in the books. The Pittsburgh Penguins drew first blood with a 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks, setting the stage for what should be an entertaining Game 2.

In this preview of Game 2, we'll examine some of the crucial factors that arose for both clubs in Game 1 and what bearing they could have as the series progresses. We'll also speculate on potential adjustments for each side as they prepare for the next game.

Feel free to weigh in with your opinion in the comments section below.

Game 1 Recap

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Center Nick Bonino's goal with 2:33 remaining in the third period snapped a 2-2 tie and lifted the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Monday night. The Penguins hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

The first and second periods of Game 1 were studies in contrasts. Pittsburgh used its speed to dominate the opening frame, taking a 2-0 lead on goals by wingers Bryan Rust and Conor Sheary.

In the second period, however, the Sharks took control as the Pens seemed content to protect their advantage. Tomas Hertl cut the lead to 2-1 with a power-play goal, and Patrick Marleau netted the equalizer on a late-period wraparound.

Pittsburgh returned to form in the third, outshooting San Jose 18-9 while getting the better scoring chances. The game appeared headed to overtime until a wide-open Bonino took a pass from Kris Letang and buried the winner. The Sharks had a chance to even the score on a late power play but failed to capitalize.

Special Teams and Faceoffs

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Special teams and faceoffs played a role in the outcome of Game 1.

The Sharks tallied on their first power-play attempt courtesy of a second-period goal by Tomas Hertl that cut the Penguins' lead to 2-1. Down 3-2 and with a six-on-four power play late in the third, San Jose failed to cash in.

Pittsburgh moved the puck well on its three power-play chances but couldn't find the back of the net. Credit a solid penalty-killing effort by the Sharks and some timely saves by San Jose netminder Martin Jones.

The Penguins had the advantage in the faceoff circle, winning 53.2 percent of the draws. It's an ongoing issue for the Sharks, who remain dead last on faceoffs (46.8 percent) among the 16 clubs that made the playoffs.

In Game 2, Pittsburgh will again attempt to use its quickness and puck-moving creativity to generate scoring chances on the power play. It could, however, have its hands full with San Jose's big-bodied shot-blockers and Jones' strong goaltending.

The Sharks, meanwhile, will try to build on a power-play that was lethal (27.7 percent) through three playoff rounds. They'll be seeking more production from their leading postseason scorers, Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture and Brent Burns, who've accounted for the bulk of their production with the man advantage.

Poor faceoff stats didn't hamper San Jose's march to the Cup Final, but it's still a concern and could prove costly in power-play and short-handed situations in this series.

Insist on Consistency

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Consistency was an issue for both clubs in Game 1.

The Penguins dominated the opening period, enjoying a 15-4 shot advantage. On both of their goals in that frame, right wing Bryan Rust and center Sidney Crosby used their speed to out-flank the Sharks' right-side defenders and create golden scoring opportunities.

San Jose used its size and strength to neutralize fleet-footed Pittsburgh in the second period. It won the puck battles in the Penguins zone, outshot Pittsburgh 13-8, generated several quality scoring chances and evened the score.

The Penguins could go full throttle in the next game with a more persistent effort through 60 minutes. In these playoffs, they've tended to ease up after taking a lead of two or more goals. They got away with it against the Sharks in the first game. They won't be that fortunate again.

Pittsburgh could have to make a significant change by replacing Rust (upper-body injury) if he's unavailable for the second game.

Replacing Bryan Rust

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Sportsnet's Chris Johnston reported Monday night Penguins right wing Bryan Rust was day-to-day with an upper-body injury after taking an illegal hit to the head from Sharks forward Patrick Marleau. The incident took place early in the third period of Game 1, and Marleau was assessed a two-minute minor.

Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters he considered it a blindside hit. NBC Sports' Mike Halford reported Tuesday the NHL Department of Player Safety ruled Marleau didn't "pick" Rust's head and no discipline was warranted.

If Rust misses Game 2, his absence will be felt by the Penguins. The 24-year-old depth forward has turned into a dangerous scoring threat in the postseason. In 18 playoff games, he has six goals and three assists. Four of his goals have come in his last three games. Among Pittsburgh players, he's tied for third in goals with Sidney Crosby.

If Rust cannot go for Game 2, the Penguins could replace him on Evgeni Malkin's line with right wing Beau Bennett, who's been a healthy scratch for all but one playoff game this spring.

Goaltending Duel

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Penguins goaltender Matt Murray and Sharks netminder Martin Jones made their first starts in a Stanley Cup Final in Game 1. They quickly silenced any doubts about how they would handle the stage.

Of the pair, Jones had the busiest night. He faced 41 shots and made 38 saves. He was San Jose's best player, keeping his team in the game after it fell behind 2-0 and giving it a chance to win after the Sharks tied it.

Murray's workload was lighter, as he made 24 saves on 26 shots. Though he was caught out of position on Patrick Marleau's game-tying wraparound goal late in the second period, he kept San Jose off the board in the third.

If Game 1 is any indication, Murray and Jones won't be affected by the pressure of playing for hockey's holy grail. Both acquitted themselves well. Neither goalie showed any signs of nervousness and didn't appear to battle the puck.

Entering Game 2, Murray and Jones are tied for the most wins in the playoffs with 12. Jones' 2.17 goals-against average is just ahead of Murray's 2.20, but the latter has a better save percentage (.924 to Jones' .919).

Should these two play as well going forward as they did in Game 1, this series could go six or seven games.

Can the Sharks Contain the Penguins Offense?

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The Penguins used their speed to create scoring chances and kept the Sharks on their back foot for most of Game 1. It's an issue San Jose must address heading into Game 2.

The Sharks did a good job of shutting down Pittsburgh in the second period. The Pens, however, were also their own worst enemies. They seemed to sit back after taking a 2-0 lead.

Entering the Cup Final, San Jose had given up the second-fewest shots per game (27.1) among playoff clubs. After surrendering 41 in the opening game against Pittsburgh, it's slid to sixth (27.8).

The shutdown pairing of Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Justin Braun was effective through three rounds, playing a significant role in the Sharks' march to the Final. In Game 1, however, Vlasic and Braun were on the ice for two goals of the Penguins' three goals.

San Jose's third line of Melker Karlsson, Chris Tierney and Joel Ward struggled against the Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby lines. Since Pittsburgh holds the last change, it will be difficult for Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer to keep that trio away from Malkin and Crosby.

To counter the Penguins' swift attack, San Jose could attempt to use its size and strength. Expect a more physical game as the Sharks try to wear down Pittsburgh and control play.

Will the Sharks' Scorers Emerge in Game 2?

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Through three rounds of the playoffs, the Sharks were a dominant scoring force. Logan Couture, Joe Pavelski and Brent Burns were the top three postseason point-getters, and Joe Thornton was tied for fifth. San Jose seemed to hold the offensive advantage over the Penguins.

In Game 1, Burns collected two assists and Couture picked up one. Pavelski and Thornton, however, were kept off the score sheet.

It's not as though these four played poorly. But they didn't look anything like the dangerous scorers they were against the Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators and St. Louis Blues.

There were, though, some positives they can take into their next tilt. Burns settled down after a shaky opening period and was instrumental in his club's two goals. Thornton's line played well against Pittsburgh's top defense pairing of Kris Letang and Brian Dumoulin, generating some good scoring chances.

With their first Stanley Cup Final game behind them, the Sharks' top scorers should settle down and make their presence felt. Expect more from the Couture line in Game 2. And look for Pavelski, Thornton and Burns to lead the way with a stronger start and consistent effort.