First period between these two fierce Pacific Division rivals has been a good one. Game as expected has been very competitive early on. Both teams have had their fair share of chances.

LA jumped out to an early lead on somewhat of a freak play.

Dustin Brown skated in down low with the puck and put a backhanded shot on net. Antero Niittymaki made a solid stop, but left a nice rebound out front. In an effort to clear the puck, Patrick Marleau accidently shot the puck off Scott Parse's skate, finding it's way to the back of the net.

Shortly there after, San Jose's second line responded.

Dan Boyle handling the puck at the top of offensive zone pushed the puck down low to Joe Pavelski. Pavelski quickly gave the puck off to Couture who sent a pass to the front of the net. Ryane Clowe picked it up and got the puck by Kings goaltender Jonathan Bernier.

Just a few seconds later, the Sharks scored again to take a 2-1 lead.

Torrey Mitchell tapped in a rebound off a shot from Jamie McGinn. This, just 1:05 after the first goal.

All 3 goals in the first period came with less than 4 minutes left.

The Kings outshot San Jose in the first period, 13-10, outhit them 9-8, and won 10 out of 17 faceoffs.

Overall, it's fair to say the Kings played the slightly better period. But with a two goal burst to end the 1st period, the Sharks are in the lead at the 1st intermission.

Stay tuned for the 2nd period recap.