Sharks Game 43 Recap: Wild 3, Sharks 2 (4/16/21)

 The Sharks fell short against the Wild 3-2 in the first game of their current four-game road trip Friday night. 

This game seemed to start off well for the Sharks, as they scored the first goal of the game via Tomas Hertl. Assisting on the first goal were Radim Simek and Marc-Eduoard Vlasic. Nick Bonino ties the game for the Wild towards the middle of the first. 

The second period got away from Sharks as the Wild added two more goals from Mats Zuccarello and Zach Parise early in the period. However, the Sharks got within one on a shorthanded breakaway attempt by Evander Kane, but the Sharks weren't able to complete their comeback efforts in the third. 

In addition, Tomas Hertl was almost called for a double minor for high-sticking in the third against Zach Parise, but thankfully it was rescinded after it was determined that Nico Sturm accidentally high-sticked his own teammate. 

Martin Jones was mediocre in this one, stopping 15 of 18 shots against. One milestone worth mentioning from this game is that Dylan Gambrell skated in his 100th NHL game Friday night. 

In all, every area of the Sharks has been inconsistent lately. Hopefully they can salvage one game in this back-to-back set against the Wild tonight at 5 pm PT, in which Patrick Marleau is set to tie Gordie Howe for the all-time games played record in NHL history.

In other news, the Sharks announced that they will allow a limited number of fans at SAP Center starting April 26 versus the Coyotes with restrictions in place. It will be the first event at SAP Center that will be open to the general public since March 8, 2020. As for the April 24 game against the Wild, that game will be limited to family and friends of Sharks players, coaches, and other team personnel. Beginning April 26, fans who attend the remaining seven home games of the 2021 season will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or full vaccination before entering the arena. Face masks will be required to be worn at all times except for in the designated food and drink areas, and no bags will be allowed in the arena. Tickets will only be sold digitally and in advance, with priority going to Sharks365 members, suiteholders, and corporate partners. All transactions will be cashless via major credit and debit cards and mobile payments. Despite all these restrictions, it's always great to have fans back in attendance at the Shark Tank this season.

Sources: sjsharks.com, NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App