SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Sharks are going to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in the franchise’s 25-year history after a convincing 5-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday night that ended the Western Conference finals in six games.
Two goals by San Jose forward Joel Ward and one each from Joe Pavelski, Joonas Donskoi and Logan Couture provided the San Jose offense, while St. Louis forward Vladimir Tarasenko added two goals late in the third period. Sharks goaltender Martin Jones made 24 saves.
Although they played down the stakes, the Sharks clearly wanted to avoid the need for a winner-take-all Game 7 on the road.