Cleveland contributed to this report.

While Evander Kane watched Stanley Cup playoff hockey from his couch during the first eight years of his NHL career , the power forward felt confident he could thrive in the pressurized atmosphere of the postseason if he could only get the chance.

When his long-delayed opportunity finally arrived Thursday night, Kane did everything he ever thought he could.

Kane scored two goals in his first career playoff game and Martin Jones made 25 saves as the San Jose Sharks beat the Anaheim Ducks 3-0 in their first-round series opener.