Sharks 2022-23 Game 42 Recap: Sharks 4, Coyotes 2 (1/10/23)

 The Sharks earn a hard-fought win over the Arizona Coyotes 4-2 in their first-ever game at Mullett Arena, snapping a two-game skid. 

This was a great effort and great win by the boys, with many players putting up solid performances and showing up for a full 60 minutes. The Sharks opened the scoring early in the first period on Kevin Labanc going top corner for his tenth goal of the season from Timo Meier and Tomas Hertl. The Coyotes answered back about two minutes later via Barrett Hayton to even the game at one. Later in the first, the Coyotes went ahead on a breakaway chance via Christian Fischer to take a 2-1 lead through one period of play. Recent Sharks waiver claim Mikey Eyssimont made his Sharks debut in this game in Arizona and fought Josh Brown in the final minute of the first period in an effort to get this Sharks team going heading into the second period. 

Team Teal got the equalizer at around the six-minute mark of the second period on Nico Sturm’s tenth goal of the year, pulling off a sweet dangle on his way to the net and finding the back of the net on the rebound after Karel Vejmelka made the save on the initial shot. Nick Bonino picked up the primary assist on the Sturm goal in his 800th NHL game, while Oskar Lindblom picked up the secondary assist. 

San Jose regained its lead seconds into the third period on Matt Nieto’s eighth goal of the season from Alexander Barabanov and Logan Couture, taking advantage of Arizona’s lack of situational awareness leading up to the go-ahead goal. Late in the third, the Sharks added extra insurance on a clutch goal by Jaycob Megna from the point for his first of the season. Erik Karlsson recorded the primary assist on the Megna goal to extend his point streak to 15 games, while Kevin Labanc recorded the secondary assist. 

Kaapo Kahkonen was outstanding in net against the Desert Dogs, making 27 saves, many of which were excellent. 

Like I’ve mentioned in previous game reviews, it would be great to see the Sharks play like they did tonight in more games against more teams and have this be the start of a significant hot streak. The Sharks travel to Los Angeles for their next game against the Kings tomorrow night at 7 pm PT, which will be nationally televised on TNT. 

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App 

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