Sharks enjoy home comforts to even up Kings series

Brent Burns and Logan Couture scored in the first and second periods respectively as the Sharks withstood a late rally to ensure both teams remain unbeaten at home in the play-offs before the series shifts back to Los Angeles for Game Five on Thursday.

Mike Richards converted a power-play goal midway through the third period to haul the Kings back into the contest but the defending Stanley Cup champions were unable to halt their poor run of form on the road.

The Kings have won just once in 11 road contests since the beginning of April and the latest setback comes after they suffered a bitter overtime defeat in Game Three on Saturday when late penalties left them exposed to a winning power-play tally.

Couture's deciding goal on Tuesday also came with a man-advantage as he deflected a shot from defenseman Dan Boyle past Jonathan Quick.

Quick finished with 21 saves while San Jose's Antti Niemi turned away 22 shots.