The Sharks come from behind and get a huge win in the shootout over the Vegas Golden Knights 5-4 to snap their 11-game losing streak against the Knights.
This game was an absolute thriller. In fact, this may possibly be the Sharks' best win of the season. It also brought back vibes from the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs first round series between these two teams. Most importantly, the Sharks played spoiler and put a thorn in the Golden Knights' playoff hopes this season. It was incredible, and the rest of the NHL had the Sharks' backs in this one.
But first, I must begin with how this game began. The Sharks scored first around the midway point of the first period on Tomas Hertl's 30th goal of the season, getting helpers from Alexander Barabanov and Jaycob Megna. The Golden Knights went on to score the next three goals by Chandler Stephenson on the power play in the first period and by Max Pacioretty and William Carrier in the second period. The Sharks got back within one late in the second period on Nick Bonino's first goal of the game, with Jaycob Megna collecting his second assist of the game and Matt Nieto picking up the second assist on that goal.
Vegas extended its lead back to two early in the third period via Nicolas Roy. At this point, it seemed as if the Sharks were bound to lose their 12th straight to Vegas and disappoint the entire NHL. However, the Sharks shocked everyone with their comeback efforts late in the third with Nick Bonino’s second goal of the game and Timo Meier’s 35th goal of the season at the last second of regulation to force overtime and a shootout. Logan Couture and Brent Burns assisted on the game-tying goal at the last second of regulation to extend this game.
It now had to be decided in the skills competition, and Thomas Bordeleau scored the lone shootout goal with some nifty moves in only his fifth NHL game. This was also the first game-winner of his NHL career, even though he has yet to officially record his first NHL goal.
Although he gave up four goals, James Reimer was clutch when he needed to be, making 42 saves in the Sharks' comeback win.
On top of that, the Golden Knights could get eliminated from playoff contention on Tuesday if they lose to the Dallas Stars in regulation, which would mark the first time in their franchise history missing the playoffs. This would amazing and great for the NHL if all goes to plan.
Back to the Sharks, coming off their third win in their past four games, this one has to feel great. They face the Anaheim Ducks in their last home game of the season on Tuesday at 7:30 pm PT.
Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App
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