Sharks 2021-22 Game 76 Recap: Sharks 3, Blue Jackets 2 (4/19/22)

 A three-goal first period propelled the Sharks to snap their ten-game losing skid, defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2. 

Despite being out of the playoff picture and the other issues that may be at hand, a win is a win, and that’s gotta feel good.There we’re also a few great notable aspects to this game that are worth discussing. First, Scott Reedy scored his first goal of the game early in the first period on his backhand on the power play. Noah Gregor and Logan Couture were credited with the assists on the first goal of this game. The Sharks’ next goal came about four minutes later via Rudolfs Balcers, with Thomas Bordeleau picking up his second NHL point and his second NHL assist on that play. Rounding out the three-goal first period for the Sharks was Scott Reedy’s second goal of the game, in which he batted out of mid air and into the net late in the first. Sasha Chmelevski was credited with the lone assist on the Sharks’ third goal and Scott Reedy’s second goal of the game. 

The second period was fairly quiet, but the Blue Jackets made things interesting in the third period. Columbus mounted a comeback effort in the final frame on two goals from Jack Roslovic, but the Sharks were able to hold on for their first win since March 26 against the Ducks. 

Not only did the Sharks’ ten-game losing streak end, Scott Reedy recorded his first multi-goal game of his career. Kaapo Kahkonen finally got his first win as a Shark, recording 22 saves. In addition, the Sharks got their 1,100th regular-season win in franchise history Tuesday night, a remarkable milestone. 

In other news, the Sharks recently signed goalie Strauss Mann to a one-year contract. Mann went undrafted and previously played for the Fargo Force of the USHL, the University of Michigan, and most recently Skelleftea AIK in the SHL. During his tenure with Skelleftea AIK, Mann had a 13-8-1 record with a 2.19 GAA, a .914 SV%, and three shutouts, which were all top-six in the SHL this past season respectively. He also represented Team USA during the 2022 Winter Olympics, posting a 1-1 record with a 1.85 GAA and a .945 SV%. In addition, I completed my second fantasy hockey season, finishing in seventh place. I had previously gone on a lengthy cold streak until last week, when that cold streak ended with a blowout win in the 7th place game to end the fantasy season on a high note.

Only six games remain in the Sharks’ 2021-22 campaign, so enjoy them while you can. The Sharks’ final homestand of the season continues Thursday, when they host the St. Louis Blues at 7:30 pm PT. 

Sources: NHL App, Sharks + SAP Center App