Sharks 2023-24 Game 53 Recap: Sharks 6, Flames 3 (2/15/24)

 Big second and third periods, along with a career-best four-point night for Filip Zadina, propelled the Sharks to bounce back from last night in a 6-3 victory over the Calgary Flames.

Nazem Kadri got the Flames on the board first in the opening period, scoring on the rebound off of the initial shot by Martin Pospisil. The Sharks followed up a mostly quiet first period with three unanswered goals in the second period, starting with a patient goal by Mikael Granlund and a give-and-go scored by Justin Bailey. Filip Zadina recorded the assists on both of the Sharks’ first two goals of the second period and this game. Later in the second period, Luke Kunin scored his first goal of the game to give the Sharks a 3-1 lead. This goal was under review to ensure that the puck completely crossed the goal line, which was confirmed by the refs on the ice. However, the Flames cut the Sharks’ lead down to one via Mikael Backlund before the end of the second period. This goal was challenged by David Quinn for goalie interference, but the goal stood, and the Sharks were assessed a minor penalty for delay of game. 

Early in the third period, Filip Zadina scored twice for the Sharks to top off a career-high four-point performance. Justin Bailey assisted on both Zadina goals, while Nico Sturm assisted on the first Zadina goal, and Marc-Eduoard Vlasic assisted on the second Zadina goal. Later in the final frame, Luke Kunin scored his second goal of the game to put up the Sharks’ sixth goal tonight, followed by Andrei Kuzmenko scoring to squeeze in one more goal for the Flames. This one ended by Blake Coleman shoving Filip Zadina down onto the ice in frustration, resulting in a large scrum ensuing between players on both teams. 

Mackenzie Blackwood may have given up three goals to the Flames tonight, but his offense gave him a much-needed boost in the win, recording a total of 31 saves. 

The Sharks’ offense stepped up big time to lead Team Teal to a rather improbable win in Calgary, and this is always great to see. Hope to see more impressive performances and wins from this Sharks team, especially without their top two forwards in Tomas Hertl and Logan Couture. Next up, the Sharks return home to host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday at 7:30 pm PT. 

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App 

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