Game 1 of the series between the Los Angeles Kings and the San Jose Sharks was met with some controversy. Raffi Torres, often referred to as a dangerous player, placed a hit on Kings center Jarret Stoll that likely knocked him out for the series. Torres could also see time away from the ice but for disciplinary reasons. The league has suspended him until their hearing on the matter is complete. The hit was shoulder-to-shoulder contact that sent Stoll falling forward as his head snapped back. He did not return to the game while Torres was called for a minor charging penalty.
This is not the first time that Torres has had a problem with rough play. He was suspended for 21 games while playing for Phoenix last season after he placed a high hit on Chicago's Marian Hossa. It was considered a cheap shot, ruining Torres' reputation.
Without Stoll, the Kings will have to work hard to replace him. He is one of the team's top penalty killers along with being their third-line center. He scored the series-winning goal last season when the team upset the Vancouver Canucks in the first round.
Without Torres, the Sharks goal scoring efforts just got harder. They were shut out in game one thanks to stellar play from Jonathan Quick. The goalie made 35 saves in the game and the Kings won 2-0. The Kings will likely replace Stoll with Brad Richardson. He has not playing in the postseason since Game 1 in the first round, but is supposed to be healthy for Thursday's game.
Los Angeles has the momentum in the series. Since falling into a two-game hole against St. Louis in the first round, they have won five straight. Quick tied Henrick Lundqvist posting his second shutout of the postseason. He also has a 1.36 goals-against average.
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