Sports

Raffi Torres making positive impact on Sharks a year after being kicked out of playoffs

Associated Press
Published | Updated

San Jose Sharks left wing Raffi Torres (13) celebrates his game winning goal over the Vancouver Canucks with San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton (19) and defenceman Brent Burns (88) in game two of an NHL Western Conference quarter-final playoff hockey series at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia on Friday, May 3, 2013. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward) (The Associated Press)

Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo (1) watches as San Jose Sharks left wing Raffi Torres' shot goes past him during overtime of game two of an NHL Western Conference quarter-final playoff hockey series at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia on Friday, May 3, 2013. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward) (The Associated Press)

Raffi Torres is making quite a positive impact in his return to the playoffs.

A year after being kicked out of the postseason for his vicious hit against Chicago's Marian Hossa, Torres has played a major role in helping the San Jose Sharks take a 2-0 series lead after winning two straight games in Vancouver.

Torres helped set the tone for the series with his physical play in Game 1 when he delivered six hits against his former team. He then gave the Sharks control in the series with his overtime game-winner in Game 2.

The series shifts to San Jose for Game 3 Sunday where a raucous crowd is expected at HP Pavilion, where the Sharks lost just twice in regulation all season.