Nick Bonino scored late in the third period to help the Pittsburgh Penguins recover from a mid-game meltdown and claim a 3-2 home victory in the Stanley Cup Finals opener against the San Jose Sharks.
The game appeared destined for overtime until Bonino took a pinpoint pass from Pittsburgh defender Kris Letang and scored with just over two minutes remaining.
"It's one of those shots that wasn't my hardest shot by any means, but just found a way to kind of flip it over (the goalie)," said Bonino.
Bonino was a key off-season acquisition by Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford and his performances throughout the playoffs have not been overlooked.
"I think he's a terrific player in every aspect of the game," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. "We use him in so many key situations, both offensively and defensively.
"He's brave. He blocks shots. He's a good faceoff guy. He's done so much for this team to help us get to this point. I don't know what other praise I can shower on him right now."
Forwards Bryan Rust, who left the game in the third period after taking a hit to the head, and Conor Sheary built a 2-0 lead for Pittsburgh early in the first period.
At the other end, rookie 22 year-old goalie Matt Murray made 24 saves for his 12th victory of the playoffs.
However, after a sluggish start, the Sharks rebounded to tie the game with second-period goals from Tomas Hertl and 36-year-old Patrick Marleau.
"We didn't play our game in the first period," Sharks coach Peter DeBoer said. "We stood around and watched.
"Our execution's got to get better. Part of it was some of the pressure they put on but part of it was self-inflicted."
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