Sharks 2023-24 Game 77 Recap: Coyotes 5, Sharks 2 (4/7/24)

 The Sharks drop the second game of the weekend back-to-back set 5-2 to the Arizona Coyotes. 

The Coyotes scored first early in the opening period via Lawson Crouse, while the Sharks responded soon after on the power play with Henry Thrun’s third goal of the season, with assists from Mikael Granlund and Fabian Zetterlund. Later in the opening period, a broken play in which Mackenzie Blackwood had no idea where the puck was led to the Coyotes retaking the lead, with the go-ahead goal going to Liam O’Brien. Luke Kunin scored his tenth goal of the season later in the second period to even things up at two, with assists going to Henry Thrun and Collin Graf, the latter getting his first NHL point in his second NHL game. 

Arizona would score three unanswered goals in the third period to earn the victory Sunday evening, resuming with Dylan Guenther early in the third and followed by one from Clayton Keller later in the period and an empty-netter from Nick Schmaltz to complete this one. 

Mackenzie Blackwood was back in net for Team Teal Sunday afternoon, finishing his day with 23 saves on 27 shots against. In addition, Klim Kostin didn’t suit up for this game due to an illness, with Ryan Carpenter taking his place in the Sharks lineup on Sunday. 

The Sharks begin their final full week of their 2023-24 campaign hosting the Calgary Flames in their next game on Tuesday at 7:30 pm PT. 

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

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