Sharks 2021-22 Game 72 Recap: Predators 1, Sharks 0 (OT) (4/12/22)

 The Nashville Predators hand the Sharks their seventh-straight loss 1-0 in overtime. 

It was impressive that the Sharks kept this game scoreless until the last minute of overtime, especially against a tough Predators team in Nashville. Kaapo Kahkonen was the main factor keeping the game scoreless for that long for San Jose, recording a whopping 40 saves. 

Filip Forsberg almost scored one for the Preds in regulation, but it was overturned after the Sharks challenged it for offsides. 

There were a few scraps in this game, the first one between Jeff Viel and Mark Borowiecki early in the first period and the other one between Nicolas Meloche and Nick Cousins in the second period. In addition, Timo Meier and Tomas Hertl each took roughing penalties in the first period after sticking up for teammates that were victimized in prior incidents. 

Come overtime, with about a minute remaining in the OT period, Ryan Johansen scores the game-winner and only goal of the game. It first looked like Mattias Ekholm scored the game-winner, but the puck deflected off of Erik Karlsson's stick and into the net after it was shot by Johansen. 

On a more positive note, by earning a point in OT, the Sharks technically stay alive in the playoff hunt, but could get mathematically eliminated in the coming days if they lose or certain other teams win. 

In other news, the Sharks recently signed defenseman Nick Cicek to a two-year contract. This was his first season in the pros, recording five goals and 18 assists for 23 points in 48 games with the Barracuda of the AHL.

The reality of this season has fully settled in for me, and with ten games remaining in the season, I expect the Sharks to lose nearly every game from here on out for the rest of the season. Their current skid has taken a lot of the excitement out of this Sharks team for me, but I'll still follow and watch them whenever I can. At least this will increase the Sharks' chances of earning a top selection in this year's draft. San Jose's current road trip continues on Thursday in Chicago against the Blackhawks at 5:30 pm PT. 

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App