The Sharks and Blackhawks were both on lengthy losing streaks, but the Blackhawks prevailed in the shootout 5-4. This extends the Sharks’ skid to eight games and officially eliminates them from playoff contention.
Although the Sharks played fairly well, I had a bad feeling about this game from the get-go. The first goal of this game was scored by none other than Patrick Kane early in the first period. The Sharks answered back a few minutes later on Timo Meier's team-leading 32nd goal of the season, with assists from Tomas Hertl and Brent Burns. Following each team's first goal of the game was a fight that went down between Jeff Viel and Riley Stillman.
The Blackhawks picked their scoring back up in the later half of the second period via Taylor Raddysh on the power play. The Sharks had an answer for that a few minutes later with Scott Reedy's third NHL goal, with Matt Nieto collecting his 100th NHL assist and Sasha Chmelevski picking up the secondary assist on that play. With less than two minutes remaining in the middle frame, Calvin de Haan regained the lead for the 'Hawks on a play primarily set up by Patrick Kane. There was also a wild sequence late in the second period in which the Blackhawks almost scored, but the magic and prowess of James Reimer was able to keep the puck from completely crossing the goal line.
The Blackhawks extended their lead to two early in the third period via Dylan Strome. The Sharks then came back to tie the game late in the third to force OT and a shootout on the next two goals from Rudolfs Balcers and Jaycob Megna. Logan Couture, Erik Karlsson, and Timo Meier each collected assists on the last two goals, while Tomas Hertl recorded his second assist of the game.
Alex DeBrincat scored the game-winner in the shootout on the Blackhawks' third attempt, while the Sharks went 0-for-3 in their shootout attempts last night. One other reason why it may have been fitting for the 'Hawks to win is that it was legendary Blackhawks play-by-play announcer Pat Foley's last game in the broadcast booth.
Despite the loss and giving up four goals, James Reimer was solid in net, recording 28 saves.
In other news, the Sharks recently signed forward Max Veronneau to a one-year contract. He spent this season with Leksands IF of the Swedish Hockey League, where he led the SHL in goals with 34 and was second in the league in points with 60. Veronneau was also named the SHL's most valuable player this season.
This is now the third-consecutive season that the Sharks have been eliminated from playoff contention. It was just a matter of time before this happened. For the remaining nine games of this season, it's just a matter of pride and the young players to prove themselves for next season. We at least know where they stand this season, but I already want the playoffs to begin.
The Sharks travel to Dallas to face the Stars in their next game on Saturday at 5 pm PT.
Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App, Sharks + SAP Center App
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