VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 2 (UPI) -- Dan Boyle broke a third-period tie Wednesday, igniting San Jose to a 3-1 win over Vancouver in the opener of their conference quarterfinal series.
The Sharks grabbed home-ice advantage after finishing seventh in the Western Conference. Vancouver will host Game 2 on Friday.
Vancouver's Kevin Bieksa scored the game's first goal with 7:34 to play in the second period, but that was all the Canucks could do against Antti Niemi.
Niemi, who backstopped the Chicago Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup title three years ago and whose 24 wins this season tied him for the league lead, made 30 saves.
Logan Couture tied it on the power play with 3:25 remaining in the second period and Boyle's key goal came 9:17 into the third. Patrick Marleau delivered some insurance for the Sharks with 5:23 to go.
Roberto Luongo allowed all three San Jose goals on 28 shots.
