Sharks 2022-23 Game 52 Recap: Sharks 4, Lightning 3 (OT) (2/7/23)

The Sharks get a huge come-from-behind win against a juggernaut in Tampa and stun the Lightning 4-3 in overtime in their first game back from the All-Star break. 

Team Teal didn’t get off to the best start in this one, but what mattered most was how they finished. Ross Colton opened the scoring 2:10 into the first period to get the Lightning on the board. About four minutes later, Erik Karlsson ripped one from the point four seconds into the Sharks' power play to tie it at one. This was EK65's 17th goal of the season, with Timo Meier and Tomas Hertl collecting the assists. Brayden Point would then score the next two goals in the first period, the first one on the power play and the second one at even strength, to make it 3-1 in favor of the Bolts through one period of play. 

Late in the second period, the Sharks would get within one on Timo Meier's first goal of the game on another power play chance. Alexander Barabanov and Logan Couture collected the assists on that goal. The Lightning would then regain their two-goal lead via Steven Stamkos, only for that goal to be disallowed after San Jose challenged it and further review determined that Brayden Point went offside and entered the zone before the puck did. During the final minute of the second period, Mikey Eyssimont and Brayden Point had a tilt and slugged it out. 

Early in the third period, Jonah Gadjovich got a piece of the initial shot by Scott Harrington to tie the game at three, with Erik Karlsson picking up the secondary assist on that equalizer. This would ultimately force bonus hockey, where Timo Meier would score his second goal of the game and his 30th goal of the season to complete an unlikely comeback for the Sharks. Leading the way for Team Teal in this comeback were Erik Karlsson and Timo Meier, who both recorded three points each on the night. Tomas Hertl recorded the other assist on the overtime winner. 

Kaapo Kahkonen received his second straight start in net and looked great out there, recording a total of 34 saves, many of which were huge, clutch, and even the acrobatic kind. 

I didn't expect this game to turn out the way it did, but I am nothing short of impressed. Others will say that this big performance from Timo Meier boosts his trade value even more, but I say that this is a greater case for him to be re-signed and built around for the forseeable future. The Sharks will look to continue their current win streak in South Florida for their next game against the Panthers on Thursday at 4 pm PT.

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App 

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