Sharks 2022-23 Game 21 Recap: Sharks 5, Senators 1 (11/21/22)

 A huge second period and an excellent performance in net from Kaapo Kahkonen helped lift the Sharks over the Ottawa Senators 5-1. 

This was also the Sharks' first win at home in regulation since April 23 against the Blackhawks. Team Teal needed this one, especially since they have had only one win at home prior to this game.  First off, the Sharks scored early in the first via Noah Gregor's first goal of the season, with assists from Luke Kunin and Matt Benning. The Senators tied the game at one about seven minutes later on a goal from Tim Stutzle. 

The Sharks began the second period off with a bang, as Timo Meier scores from a sharp angle on the feed from Erik Karlsson to gain a 2-1 lead. It took about two-and-a-half minutes into the second period for Nick Cicek to record his first NHL fight, with it being against Mark Kastelic. Team Teal extended their lead to two when Matt Nieto tipped in a shot from Matt Benning for his third goal in four games, prompting the Senators to replace Cam Talbot in net with Anton Forsberg. Alexander Barabanov collected the other assist on that play. Tomas Hertl capped off a big second period with his fifth goal of the season, deflecting a shot from Logan Couture on the man advantage at around the 16-minute mark to make it a three-goal lead. Luke Kunin also picked up his second assist of the game on Team Teal's third-straight goal. 

With about a minute left in regulation, Logan Couture sealed the deal with an empty-netter from the other end of the ice for his tenth goal of the year. Luke Kunin picked up his third assist of the night, while Jaycob Megna recorded the other assist on the empty-netter. 

Kaapo Kahkonen was outstanding in net against the Senators, making 37 saves and earning his second win of the season. This was also a statement win for Kahkonen, as he proved that he deserves more starts and to be in the Sharks' goalie tandem. 

Overall, this was an all-around great win for the Sharks to bounce back from their previous two games. Next up, Team Teal will travel to Seattle for a quick road trip to face the Kraken for the first time this season on Wednesday at 7 pm PT. 

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App, Sharks Audio Network  

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