San Jose @ Vegas preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 12, 2019 ) Vegas 5, San Jose 3

So much for goaltending and defense dominating the postseason as the San Jose Sharks and Vegas Golden Knights have split the first two games of their Western Conference first-round series by scoring five goals in their victories. Having erased the home-ice advantage, Vegas looks to win the pivotal Game 3 for the second straight year versus visiting San Jose on Sunday.

Vegas had to recover from blowing an early three-goal lead in Friday's 5-3 victory after getting blown out 5-2 in the opener to level the series at one game apiece. “I feel a lot better than I did (Wednesday),” Golden Knights forward William Karlsson, whose short-handed tally provided a huge insurance marker, told reporters. “To come here and take one game here is pretty good. Hopefully, we can keep it going.” Sharks coach Peter DeBoer was irate over a disallowed goal that would have put his club ahead in Game 2 but dismissed any concerns over his goaltending situation. Martin Jones was pulled for the fifth time in 15 career matchups against Vegas (playoffs included) but will make his 43rd consecutive postseason start Sunday, according to DeBoer.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, Sportsnet, Sportsnet 360, TVAS; NBCS California (San Jose), AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountains (Las Vegas)

ABOUT THE SHARKS: Jones allowed three goals in 6:11 of the opening period Friday, but bounced back with a pair of strong performances after he was yanked twice in last year's six-game postseason loss to Vegas. “Everyone’s got each other’s back and (Jones) is a guy that takes a lot of pride in how he plays and has been in the league a long time,” defenseman Brenden Dillon told the media. "We have no doubt that he’s going to come out and have a great game.” No update was offered Saturday on defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic, who did not return Friday after blocking a shot.

ABOUT THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS: Marc-Andre Fleury missed nine games because of injury down the stretch and has struggled to reclaim his form since returning, allowing 15 goals in his four starts. However, the three-time Stanley Cup winner shut the door after San Jose's three-goal outburst late in the first. "He's the backbone of this team. He stepped up there in a couple of kills, made some big saves that were the difference in the game," forward Max Pacioretty told reporters. "It wasn't a perfect game but having (Fleury) back there always gives you the confidence that you can win a game."

OVERTIME

1. Vegas F Mark Stone, acquired at the trade deadline, has three goals in the first two games.

2. Sharks D Erik Karlsson had two assists for the second straight game while logging 29:08 of ice time.

3. Pacioretty has back-to-back two-point games to give him 10 goals and 13 assists in 40 playoff contests.

PREDICTION: Golden Knights 4, Sharks 3