Sharks Game 6 Recap: Sharks 5, Wild 3 (1/24/21)

 The Sharks got a much-needed win in Minnesota vs. the Wild last night 5-3, splitting their first two-game series with the Wild. 

This game also happened to be the Sharks' first regulation win of the season, which was bound to occur sooner or later. Team Teal is now 3-3-0 through six games this season and has split every two-game series it's played so far. 

Although San Jose gave up the first goal of the game in the first period to Zach Parise, the Sharks were able to get their offense going and capitalize on opportunities in front of the net. These began with a goal by Ryan Donato late in the first to tie it up at one. Erik Karlsson and Kevin Labanc assisted on the first goal by Donato. Donato also recorded one assist along with Timo Meier on the Sharks' second goal of the game in the second by Evander Kane to go up 2-1. Noah Gregor followed up the Evander Kane goal with his first of the season to go up 3-1 in the second period, with Mario Ferraro assisting on that goal. 

The Wild then scored two unanswered, one late in the second by Nick Bjugstad and one near the midway point of the third by Kevin Fiala. Bjugstad almost had another one in the second, but it was overturned after he had pushed Martin Jones into the net with his stick on that play. 

During the middle of the third, Jordan Greenway appears to rough-up Tomas Hertl, creating a scrum involving nearly everyone on the ice. Brent Burns got heated and went after Greenway to incite the scrum. Hertl was taken to the bench to get evaluated, while both Burns and Greenway each received two minutes for roughing, beginning 4-on-4 play. 

Late in the third period, Brent Burns scored the game-winner by dancing through five Wild defenders and shooting top corner on the backhand. This was easily the best play of the game on one of the best plays of Burnzie's career so far. Hertl still remained in this game after getting shaken up in the third and was credited with the lone assist on the Burns GWG. Matt Nieto sealed the deal with less than 30 seconds remaining by finding the back of the empty net to win it 5-3.

This was a crucial win for the Sharks as their next two series are against the Avalanche and Golden Knights, who are expected to be the top two teams in the West Division. 

Martin Jones saved 26 of 29 shots against the Wild, putting up an .897 save percentage. Shots were 36-29 in favor of the Sharks. San Jose also dominated in the faceoff circle 40-30. 

Compared to the previous game, the Sharks' coaching staff had shuffled the lines in this game, and it seemed to work in their favor. 

San Jose's next series against the Avalanche in Colorado starts on Tuesday at 6 pm PT. Stay tuned to CPF Hockey for all of your Sharks news and updates. 

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, ESPN