ST. LOUIS — Showing resilience and determination, the Sharks are on the brink of their first Stanley Cup Finals.
Captain Joe Pavelski’s tie-breaking goal 16 seconds into the third period and two empty-netters late enabled the Sharks to escape Game 5 with a 6-3 victory and a 3-2 series lead over the St. Louis Blues.
With 11 wins in the postseason for the first time, San Jose stands one victory from clinching the best-of-seven Western Conference finals, and a trip to next week’s NHL showcase series against either Tampa Bay or Pittsburgh.
Game 6 is Wednesday at SAP Center.