The Sharks fought hard on Patrick Marleau's historic night, but fell short as the Golden Knights took this one in the shootout 3-2 for their seventh straight win.
The biggest moment in this game by far is Patrick Marleau officially breaking Gordie Howe's all-time games played record. This is a truly special and unforgettable moment for Patty and NHL history. After he took his first shift, the Golden Knights set their rivalry aside and honored Patrick Marleau, getting applause and a standing ovation from everyone in attendance, including Golden Knights fans. In addition, a message from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman played on the jumbotron during the ceremony, and Patty's wife, children, and other family members were in attendance to witness this. Marleau isn't known to show much emotion on and off the ice, but he did get emotional right as he was being recognized for his incredible achievement.
The other ways Patrick Marleau was honored in his 1,768th career game included being in the starting lineup with Tomas Hertl and Rudolfs Balcers as linemates. Marleau had a few great chances to score in this historic game but wasn't able to get them past Robin Lehner. When the Sharks reached the shootout, Bob Boughner decided to have Patty go first because why not, but his shootout attempt was unsuccessful.
Besides that, Nikolai Knyzhov scores the first goal of the game in the middle of the first period. The Sharks added another one 29 seconds into the second period from Noah Gregor to jump to a 2-0 lead to start the middle frame. Tomas Hertl left the game in the second period with an apparent injury but returned later that period. The Golden Knights answer back with two goals form Mark Stone on the power play. The first one came shortly after the one from Noah Gregor, and the second one came early in the third.
With about 14 seconds remaining in regulation, Mario Ferraro made a game-saving play after the puck got behind Martin Jones by clearing it out right as it was about to go into the net. The Sharks had some great chances in overtime but couldn't get it done. In addition, Martin Jones made some amazing saves to keep the game going. All the Golden Knights needed in the shootout was a successful attempt from Alex Tuch to extend their win streak to seven games. The Sharks still have yet to win against the Golden Knights this season.
Right as the game was completed, Patrick Marleau got another standing ovation from the crowd at T-Mobile Arena, and Golden Knights players went over to Patty to congratulate him on breaking an all-time record that may never be broken by another player in the NHL again. One of the biggest reasons why Patty was able to break the all-time games played record is that he hasn't missed a game since the 2009 season, which is nothing short of phenomenal.
As for Martin Jones, he performed well in Patty's 1,768th game, making 38 saves on 40 shots against.
It would've been better if the Sharks had won last night considering the huge historical achievement involved, but the Sharks did put up more of a fight in this one and guaranteed at least one point in the standings. When it's all said and done, Patty will go down as one of the greatest to every play the game and should be a shoe-in for the Hockey Hall of Fame. San Jose will wrap up its current road trip Wednesday in Vegas at 6:30 pm PT, still looking for its first win against the Golden Knights all season.
Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App
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