The Sharks were sluggish in Game 2 and paid the price losing 4-0 as the Kings evened the opening round playoff series at one-all.
Kings defenseman Drew Doughty had two goals and four points total in the Los Angeles win.
Doughty took advantage of a screen on Sharks goaltender Antti Niemi in the second period to help put Los Angeles up 3-0.
Los Angeles forward Kyle Clifford added the Kings fourth score in the third period when Niemi couldn’t control the puck in front of the net.
The Sharks outshot the Kings 15-10 in the first period, yet found themselves trailing 2-0 into the first intermission. A pair of first period L.A. power play scores, were the first goals of the postseason for Kings defensemen Jack Johnson and Doughty.
Sharks forward Ben Eager was called for slashing midway through the first, accounting for Johnson’s goal, then Ryane Clowe’s elbowing penalty less than two minutes later enabled Doughty’s score with seven seconds left on that penalty.
Game 3 in this best of seven series is Tuesday at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
