Team Teal put up a greater effort in Dallas compared to their past several games, but special teams issues hampered them in a 4-3 loss to the Stars, extending the Sharks' losing skid to five games.
The Sharks got off to a better start to this one compared to their past several contests, scoring first in the opening period via Michael Misa’s fourth goal of the season, assisted by Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. The Stars followed that up with three unanswered goals later in the opening period from Roope Hintz, Jamie Benn, and Jason Robertson, two of which came on the Dallas power play.
Early in the second period, Ivar Stenberg scored his fifth goal of the season to get the Sharks within a goal. Macklin Celebrini and Eric Pohlkamp assisted on the Stenberg goal, with the secondary assist being Pohlkamp’s first NHL point. Later in the middle frame, the Stars and Sharks traded power play goals, starting with Thomas Harley for the Stars and followed by Will Smith's seventh goal of the season, assisted by Mason Marchment and Macklin Celebrini.
Alex Nedeljkovic made his first start in a week for Team Teal, recording 26 saves on 30 shots against. In addition, Filip Bystedt is back in the Sharks lineup tonight after being a healthy scratch in last night's loss in Minnesota, while Zack Ostapchuk comes out of the lineup as a result.
While the Sharks' lackluster penalty kill cost them in their second matchup against the Stars this season, they put together a much greater effort, and more players stepped up compared to their past several games. It is also worth noting that Celebrini set a career high in time on ice in this game with just over 28 minutes logged. With their improved performance tonight Alex Wennberg expected to return to the Sharks active roster within the next few games, these are big signs that San Jose may be able to snap out of their funk sooner than later. Team Teal returns home for their next two contests, starting on Monday against the New York Islanders at 7 pm PT.
Sources: NHL App, Curtis Pashelka and Sheng Peng via X
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