Sharks 2021-22 Game 41 Recap: Kraken 3, Sharks 2 (1/20/22)

 The Sharks drop their first game in Seattle 3-2 and have yet to win a game against the newest NHL team, the Kraken. 

One bright spot was that Tomas Hertl scored the first goal of the game 38 seconds in, with Alexander Barabanov assisting on the play. Most of this game was disappointing to say the least, with the Sharks not executing on most of their power play chances yet again and playing down to their competition. The Kraken proceeded to score three unanswered, two by Carson Soucy in the second period and one by Calle Jarnkrok in the third. The go-ahead goal for the Kraken in the second period almost went to Ryan Donato, but it was overturned due to the Kraken going offsides on the ensuing play. 

The Sharks were able to get within one in the final frame via Timo Meier's 21st goal of the season on the power play from Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl. Meier and Hertl each have 21 goals on the season, leading the Sharks and making San Jose the only team to have two players with at least 20 goals. 

Adin Hill was given the start in net and had an okay performance, stopping 14 of 17 shots against. 

Overall, the Sharks had a less than stellar performance against the NHL's newest team. The Kraken are currently next-to-last in the Western Conference, and I don't fully understand why the Sharks tend to play down to their level every time these two teams face off so far. In addition, the Sharks wasted a perfect opportunity to move up the Pacific Division standings with the Kings losing to the Avalanche Thursday night. 

Team Teal is back at home for their next game on Saturday as they take on the back-to-back defending Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning at 7:30 pm PT. 

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App