Sharks vs. Penguins: Game 1 Score and Reaction from 2016 Stanley Cup Final

The Pittsburgh Penguins struck first in the Stanley Cup Final with a 3-2 Game 1 win over the San Jose Sharks at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh on Monday.

The contest was tied 2-2 with 2:33 remaining when Penguins center Nick Bonino scored the game-winner.

The Pens reacted to the goal and then celebrated the victory on Twitter:

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com described the crowd in Pittsburgh:

After scoring two goals in the Eastern Conference Final clincher against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, Bryan Rust began the championship-series proceedings with a goal at 12:46 of the first period.

Rust's postseason run has provided a huge contrast to the regular season, as ESPN Stats & Info illustrated:

Chris Peters of CBS Sports pointed out how Rust will be treated in the Steel City:

Conor Sheary followed with his third playoff goal and first since April 23.

As Gord Miller of TSN and NBC reminded everyone, Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan looked like a prophet after two of his youngsters gave Pittsburgh a 2-0 lead:

The Sharks responded emphatically in the second period, scoring twice behind Tomas Hertl and Patrick Marleau. Hertl's tally was his sixth goal of the postseason, while Marleau's fifth came with 1:48 remaining in the second frame.

Marleau's goal was a long time coming for the 18-year veteran, via the NHL:

Pittsburgh was the aggressor, outshooting San Jose 41-26. But Sharks netminder Martin Jones was equal to the task and played rookie goalie Matt Murray to at least a draw.

Las Vegas handicapper Dana Lane took note of Jones' play:

But Bonino scored at the most opportune time. Though Pittsburgh was short-handed after Ben Lovejoy was called for hooking with 2:09 to play, San Jose didn't take advantage.

This game could indicate a fun series is on the horizon. Both goalies played well, and it came down to the last few minutes. The Penguins have a lot to feel good about heading into Game 2 on Wednesday, and the Sharks don't have much reason to hang their heads.

Postgame Reaction

Bonino had a good look at the net. He just needed to get the puck past Jones.

"[Kris Letang] put it right on my stick," Bonino said, per the Associated Press (via ESPN.com). "It was a shot that wasn't my hardest shot by any means, but I kind of found a way to flip it over him."

Letang said he had no idea how little time was left on the clock when Bonino scored, per Chris Johnston of Sportsnet:

Rust left the game in the third period after taking a hit from Marleau, and Sullivan commented on his player and the play, per Jenn Menendez of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

"They played their game for longer stretches than we did, and that's what happens," San Jose head coach Peter DeBoer said, per the AP.

Said Sharks defenseman Brent Burns, per Craig Custance of ESPN The Magazine: "Now we know what we're in for. We’ll be better."