Joel Ward just scored another clutch playoff goal. Down 2-1 in the third period and facing a 3-0 series deficit, the Sharks received a four minute power play after Joe Thornton got high-sticked by Nick Bonino.

The Sharked almost frittered the opportunity away before The Big Cheese skated into the Penguins’ zone and fired a slap shot past Matt Murray seven hole.

It was Ward’s seventh goal of the postseason.

The former Capital, whom Brian MacLellan said the Caps “missed” during the postseason, has been huge for the Sharks in their bid for their first ever Stanley Cup. Ward scored two goals in Game Five and two goals in Game Six to help eliminate the Blues. Ward also scored in Game Seven against the Nashville Predators during the second round.

Simply put: Wardo continues to be a big time player during crunch time.

4 of Joel Ward's 7 goals in the 2016 playoffs have come in the 3rd period. 3 of 7 have either tied the game or given the Sharks the lead. — Darin Stephens (@SharksStats) June 5, 2016

Photo: Christian Petersen

Photo: Bruce Bennett