The Sharks are back in the win column in incredible fashion as they take down the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 in overtime for their second win over the Jets this season.
What makes this win so incredible is the unexpected news that came a few hours before puck drop. A total of eight players and head coach Bob Boughner couldn’t play in today’s game. Boughner and seven of those eight players tested positive for COVID and were placed in the NHL’s COVID protocol despite all being vaccinated. The other player who couldn’t play in today’s game was Logan Couture, who was out with a non-COVID illness. The players that were placed in COVID protocol were confirmed as Erik Karlsson, Andrew Cogliano, Jonathan Dahlen, Marc-Eduoard Vlasic, Jake Middleton, Matt Nieto, and Radim Simek. As a result, five players were called up from the Barracuda before the start of this game: John Leonard, Ryan Merkley, Nick Merkley, Jaycob Megna, and Nicolas Meloche. John MacLean became the acting head coach, and Ryan Merkley and Santeri Hatakka made their NHL debuts.
The Sharks had plenty of scoring opportunities in the first period, but couldn't quite get one past Connor Hellebuyck. Within the first minute of the second period, the Sharks score first via Tomas Hertl from Timo Meier and Alexander Barabanov on a remarkable play.
Despite being depleted, San Jose stood its ground the entire game, although it needed overtime because Kyle Connor tied it up late in the third. Early in OT, an interference penalty committed by Nikolaj Ehlers set up the Sharks on the power play, in which Timo Meier scores the game-winner to earn two out of a possible two points in this game, with helpers from Kevin Labanc and Brent Burns.
James Reimer had another excellent start in net for Team Teal, stopping 34 of 35 shots against. In addition, Rudolfs Balcers skated in his 100th NHL game against the Jets today.
After the news they received hours before the start of this game, the Sharks had all odds stacked against them, but they remained resilient and held on for a huge and incredible win. I loved what I saw from this depleted Sharks squad. If the roster remain this way heading into their next game on Tuesday against the Sabres, hopefully they can keep up their current performance level and momentum. At the same time, I hope that at least some of the Sharks players and personnel that went on COVID protocol can return to the roster and regular team activities before Tuesday's game. Speaking of Tuesday's game, puck drop is at 7:30 pm PT and will be streamed exclusively on ESPN+.
Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App
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