San Jose Sharks vs. L.A. Kings: The Three Stars from Game One

The San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings met in the postseason for the first time ever Thursday night, in game one of their first-round series. Most would agree that game one lived up to the hype garnered in the week leading up to last night. 

I must say that I was shocked to see Dany Heatley bury a pass from Ryan Clowe within 28 seconds from the drop of the puck. The Shark tank was going crazy,and I fully expected a shutout from Todd McLellan's squad. 

Los Angeles decided to make it a game, however, when Dustin Brown and Justin Williams answered the goals by Heatley and Couture.

I was also amazed by the intensity and effort both teams put forth in overtime. Skaters were flying up and down the ice like it was the first period and L.A.'s keeper Jonathan Quick and San Jose's Niemi remained on top of their game. Unfortunately for Quick and the Kings, Joe Pavelski ended the night with an excellent tally.

As for the players, here are my picks for last night's Three Stars of the game. 

Third Star: Justin Williams

Justin Williams

There are a few Sharks who could have taken this spot. I give the third star to Justin Williams for a couple reasons:

–Williams had the most point for all Kings skaters with two, a goal and an assist.

–He scored the game-tying goal to send it into overtime

–He was one of three players that were positive while on the ice

Second Star: Ryan Clowe

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 08: Ryan Clowe #29 of the San Jose Sharks in action against the Nashville Predators at HP Pavilion on January 8, 2011 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Apologies in advance for the photo–I couldn't find a photo from last nights game

I chose Ryan Clowe for the games second star. Yes, I could have given this spot to Logan Couture or Dany Heatley as well.

Clowe had the most points of any Shark last night and with three assists, he was involved with every goal scored last night.

First Star: Joe Pavelski

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

SAN JOSE, CA - APRIL 14: Joe Pavelski #8 of the San Jose Sharks celebrates after scoring the winning goal in overtime against the Los Angeles Kings in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the HP Pav

You should have seen this one coming, but he still deserves it.

It would have been terrible for the Sharks had they allowed Dany Heatleys first period goal and huge energy boost to go to waste. Instead, San Jose can thank Pavelski for his game-winning tally.

San Jose escaped from their own shark tank last night with a good amount of momentum heading into Saturday's game. Had they not, the Kings would have the momentum in their favor.