The Sharks are back in the series after defeating the Penguins 3–2 in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. While a loss tonight wouldn't have meant elimination, a 3–0 hole in the best-of-seven series would have all but sealed their fate with two of the remaining games on the road.
San Jose stormed back from 1–0 and 2–1 deficits behind goals by Justin Braun and Joel Ward, but as in Game 2 in Pittsburgh, Game 3 came down to overtime.
Pete DeBoer shortened his bench and moved Logan Couture up with Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton for overtime, and the new top line immediately rewarded him with a slew of prime scoring chances.