It's been almost 20 years since the Washington Capitals last won in San Jose, but through 20 minutes, they are even with the Sharks as the two teams are scoreless at the end of the first period.
The first period didn't feature much in the way of excitement, but more of a feeling out process between the Caps and Sharks, who rarely face each other. Neither team committed penalties, but it was a physical period as Washington and San Jose combined for 28 hits.
Tomas Vokoun made nine saves, while Antti Niemi made 12 saves of his own. Brooks Laich led the Caps with three shots.
Washington hasn't won in San Jose since October 1993, an 11-game winless streak. One streak that did continue in the first period, however, was the Caps' streak of scoreless first period on the road; they have gone scoreless in seven consecutive first periods away from Verizon Center.