Sharks 2023-24 Game 57 Recap: Devils 7, Sharks 2 (2/27/24)

 The Sharks had a decent opening period but fell apart during the remaining two periods, as they get dismantled 7-2 by the New Jersey Devils.

The Sharks got off to a great start late in the first period, when Alexander Barabanov set up Nico Sturm for his fourth goal of the year to put them on the board heading into the first intermission. Mackenzie Blackwood exited the game with a few minutes remaining in the first period due to an undisclosed injury, with Kaapo Kahkonen taking over in the Sharks' net and Blackwood finishing his night with 13 saves. Early in the middle frame, the Sharks lost their lead by giving up to quick goals to the Devils via Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes. Timo Meier scored in his return to the Shark Tank to make it 3-1 Devils, only for the Sharks to challenge it for offside and the goal to be overturned. However, the Devils would regain their 3-1 lead soon after when Kevin Bahl wound one up and slapped one home for his first goal of the year. Things completely unraveled for the Sharks in the third period, with New Jersey scoring four more goals from Colin Miller, Brendan Smith, Dawson Mercer, and Nico Hischier to extend deficit to six goals. The Sharks were able to squeak in one more goal late in the third period on Justin Bailey's fifth goal of the season, with assists from Ryan Carpenter and Henry Thrun, but the hole was still too deep to climb out of for Team Teal. 

Kaapo Kahkonen compiled 24 saves on 31 shots against in the second and third periods in relief for Blackwood. 

The Devils have struggled at times this season, but they played with a greater desperation effort and are trying hard to get back into the playoff picture, so the way this game ended up playing out shouldn't come as much of a surprise. The Sharks conclude their current five-game homestand on Thursday, when they host the Anaheim Ducks at 7:30 pm PT. 

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, San Jose Mercury News, NHL App 

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