Blues Vs. Sharks, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 1: Headed To Double Overtime

San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi stopped 12 shots from the St. Louis Blues to force a second overtime period in Game 1 of their Western Conference Quarterfinal series.

Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak played a role in extending the game to a second overtime, stopping eight shots from the Sharks, including a tip-in attempt by center Torrey Mitchell that spun the netminder around as the puck sat unattended in front of the crease before it was cleared from harm's way.

The Blues hold a 40-31 edge in the shots department and have won 44-of-84 face-offs. St. Louis is also out-hitting the Sharks (30-to-25) and have blocked 19 shots to the Sharks' 17.

Sharks center Andrew Desjardins' goal with 5:16 remaining in the third period helped the Sharks force overtime after the Blues had erased a one-goal deficit to take a 2-1 lead 7:28 into the third. Patrik Berglund got the Blues on the scoreboard after he tipped a Kevin Shattenkirk shot over the shoulder of Niemi 54 seconds into the period, and added a power play goal to give the Blues a 2-1 lead at the 7:28 mark after Martin Havlat had been sent off for tripping.

Havlat opened the scoring in the game, and the series, with a power play goal, tipping a Dan Boyle wrist shot past Halak six minutes into the second period.

Through 80 minutes of play, Boyle leads all skaters with 33:03 of ice time. Sharks defenseman Brent Burns (30:14) and Blues defensemen Shattenkirk (31:18), Alex Pietrangelo (31:58) and Barret Jackman (30:20) have also logged over 30 minutes of ice time tonight.

For all news and information regarding the St. Louis Blues, please visit St. Louis Game Time. For updates and perspective on the San Jose Sharks, head on over to Fear the Fin. For complete coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NHL hub.