Keys to the series

SHARKS WIN IF …

⏩ They can be the first team to put Vegas in a position of feeling pressure. A win in Game 1, or even a 2-1 lead after three, could put heat on the Golden Knights they haven’t felt all season;

⏩ Offensively creative defenseman Brent Burns gets more bounces than only one of his 15 shots against Anaheim to find the back of the net;

⏩ Jones remains a rock in goal, San Jose limits turnovers and keeps the Vegas attack from getting inside.

GOLDEN KNIGHTS WIN IF …

⏩ They impose their speed, tenacity and balanced four-line attack as they have all season against most opponents;

⏩ Their penalty kill is as air-tight as it was in Round 1 when one goal allowed during 13 shorthanded efforts produced a league-best 92.3percent kill;

⏩ Marc-Andre Fleury’s skills deny the Sharks at every turn to keep this remarkable inaugural season from ending.