CPF Hockey: March 2025

Monday, March 31, 2025

Sharks 2024-25 Game 73 Recap: Kings 8, Sharks 1 (3/30/25)

The Sharks have dried up in practically all aspects of their game for the second straight contest in an 8-1 blowout loss to the Los Angeles Kings.

The Kings struck first early in the opening period on a power play-influenced goal from Philip Danault. Later in the first period, Adrian Kempe scored a power play goal to make it 2-0 LA through one period of play. Early in the second period, Team Teal scored its lone goal of the game on Cam Lund’s second NHL goal, which was assisted by Mario Ferraro. From the remainder of the middle frame, it was all Kings from there, as Los Angeles added four goals via Trevor Moore, Warren Foegele twice, and Adrian Kempe again to make it 6-1 through two periods of play. Late in the third period, LA completed its blowout victory by scoring twice more via Andrei Kuzmenko and Trevor Lewis to cap off an eight-goal performance by the Kings.

Georgi Romanov was given the start in the second game of this weekend back-to-back for San Jose, registering 28 saves on 36 shots against. In addition, Vinny Desharnais is currently day-to-day with an upper-body injury and did not travel with the team down to So Cal, with Jimmy Schuldt becoming available for the Sharks for the time being.

I was not expecting the Sharks to win against one of the best-performing home teams in the NHL this season in the second game of a back-to-back, but not necessarily a blowout defeat of this magnitude either. Overall, besides Cam Lund scoring his first two NHL goals, this has been a mostly forgettable weekend for the San Jose Sharks, and I am glad they can now move on from this with just under ten games left in their 2024-25 campaign. Next up, the Sharks visit the Anaheim Ducks for one last time this season on Tuesday at 7 pm PT.

Sources: Sharks Audio Network, NHL App, Curtis Pashelka via X

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Saturday, March 29, 2025

Sharks 2024-25 Game 72 Recap: Rangers 6, Sharks 1 (3/29/25)

The Sharks didn’t have much to show for in a 6-1 lopsided loss to the New York Rangers to close out an eight-game homestand.

The Rangers struck first in the opening period on two goals from Artemi Panarin. It was nearly a 3-0 lead for New York in the first period, but the initial first goal prior to the two by Panarin that was scored by Jonny Brodzinski was immediately waved off due to Mika Zibanejad toppling over Alexandar Georgiev in the process of Brodzinski scoring.

The Broadway Blueshirts resumed scoring early in the second period via Adam Fox to extend their lead to three and made it a four-goal game early in the third period via Jonny Brodzinski. Soon after the fourth goal, the Rangers then made it 5-0 on Adam Fox’s second goal of the game. Later in the final frame, Vincent Trocheck made it 6-0 Rangers, while the Sharks finally got on the board on Cam Lund’s first NHL goal in his second NHL game, assisted by Collin Graf and Will Smith.

Alexandar Georgiev finished his night with 27 saves on 33 shots against. The Sharks’ best opportunity to get on the board earlier in this game occurred in the last three seconds of the second period on the stick of Alex Wennberg, in which he shot the puck and just missed the net.

Heading into the Sharks’ last of eight consecutive home games, I was expecting the Sharks’ positive momentum to continue since the Rangers collapsed against the Ducks in Anaheim the previous night, but it was quite the opposite. The Sharks got off to a slow start and performed poorly, resulting in them digging a deep hole that they couldn’t climb out of against a desperate Rangers team. Team Teal doesn’t have much time and energy to dwell on this particular loss, as they travel to Los Angeles to face the Kings tomorrow night at 7 pm PT, which will be nationally televised on ESPN.

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Sharks 2024-25 Game 71 Recap: Sharks 6, Maple Leafs 5 (SO) (3/27/25)

San Jose earns its second consecutive victory and 20th win of the season, sweeping the season series over the Toronto Maple Leafs with a 6-5 thriller in the shootout.

The Sharks struck first in the opening period when Tyler Toffoli tapped one in one the doorstep for his 26th goal of the season, assisted by Lucas Carlsson and Tim Liljegren, the former assist being his third point in his first two games as a Shark. Later in the period, William Nylander tied the game for the Maple Leafs, while the Sharks went back ahead soon after on Collin Graf’s fifth goal of the year and first NHL shorthanded goal, assisted by Mario Ferraro.

Team Teal came out firing to begin the second period, extending their lead to two on Alex Wennberg’s ninth goal of the season and 100th goal of his NHL career, assisted by Tyler Toffoli and Tim Liljegren. A few minutes later, Toronto made it a one-goal game once more on a power-play goal by Auston Matthews. Later in the middle frame, William Eklund deflected one in off of his skate for his 17th goal of the season after he was gifted the puck by Leafs goalie Joseph Woll. About two minutes after, the Leafs responded via Scott Laughton to make it a 4-3 contest. Following these last two goals, second period also featured Will Smith hitting the post on a breakaway and a near scrap between Zack Ostapchuk and Max Domi that was immediately intervened with by the linesmen. This near fight resulted in a 4-minute double minor for roughing and ten-minute misconduct for Max Domi, two minutes for cross-checking for Zack Ostapchuk, and a Sharks power play.

Early in the third period, the Sharks regained their two-goal lead when Tyler Toffoli scored his second goal of the game and 27th goal of the season, assisted by William Eklund and Macklin Celebrini. In the final minute of regulation, the Maple Leafs made a serious push and scored twice via John Tavares and William Nylander to even the game at five and force bonus hockey. This roller coaster of a game eventually made its way to a shootout, in which William Nylander scored in the first attempt for the Leafs, while the Sharks followed that up with two beautiful goals from Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini to hold on and complete the season series sweep of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Alexandar Georgiev earned the win in net for Team Teal, recording 30 saves on 35 shots against. In addition, Cam Lund made his NHL debut tonight after the conclusion of his last NCAA season at Northeastern, while the Sharks recently signed defenseman Noah Beck to a one-year, entry-level contract beginning in the 2025-26 season. Beck most recently played for Arizona State this season, leading all Sun Devil defensemen in scoring with five goals, 28 assists, and 33 points.

The Sharks played well for most of their second game against the Maple Leafs this season, and this was certainly one of their most entertaining performances of the season. Also, I am thankful the Sharks were able to make up for allowing Toronto to tie and force extra time, get the job done in the shootout, and surpass their win total from last season. San Jose closes out its current eight-game homestand on Saturday against the New York Rangers at 7:30 pm PT.

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App, Sharks + SAP Center App, Curtis Pashelka via X

Saturday, March 22, 2025

Sharks 2024-25 Game 70 Recap: Sharks 3, Bruins 1 (3/22/25)

Team Teal defeats the Boston Bruins 3-1 to snap a 14-game losing streak to the B’s dating back to 2016.

The first period was scoreless, but it began with some fireworks early on, as Barclay Goodrow and Jakob Lauko fought near center ice at the three-minute mark, with Goodrow gaining the upper hand in this tilt. The Sharks struck first early in the second period on William Eklund’s 16th goal of the season, with Eklund recording goals in consecutive games. Macklin Celebrini supplied the primary assist on the opening goal, while Luca Cagnoni recorded his first NHL point on the secondary assist. Later on in the middle frame, a series of defensive miscues by the Sharks set up Casey Mittelstadt to easily score and tie the game at one for the Bruins.

Later in the third period, Lucas Carlsson scored his first goal as a Shark and the game-winning goal to put the Sharks ahead 2-1, with assists from Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini. Lastly, a few minutes later, the Sharks sealed the deal with an empty-netter by Barclay Goodrow for his fifth goal of the season, assisted by William Eklund and Lucas Carlsson, the latter of the two apples being his second point of the night to cap off a massive Sharks debut.

Alexandar Georgiev was back in net for Team Teal and had a huge bounce-back performance, registering 22 saves on 23 shots against. In addition, Lucas Carlsson was recalled from the Barracuda and made his Sharks debut, collecting two points, while Jimmy Schuldt was re-assigned to the Barracuda. On top of that, the Sharks signed forward Cameron Lund to his standard, three-year, entry-level contract, who has been one of Northeastern University's top scorers and players this season.

Not only was this a significant, satisfying statement win over a struggling Bruins team, but it was the first Sharks victory over Boston in just over nine years, and Lucas Carlsson made an immediate impact on the Sharks after his recent call-up from the Barracuda. On top of that, the Sharks’ top line of Eklund, Celebrini, and Smith performed incredibly well tonight, and Alexandar Georgiev played a major role in the Sharks’ win no. 19 this season, which matches their win total from last season. San Jose doesn’t play again until Thursday, when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7:30 pm PT.

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App, Curtis Pashelka via X

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Sharks 2024-25 Game 69 Recap: Hurricanes 3, Sharks 1 (3/20/25)

The Sharks were handed their fifth loss in their past six games by the Carolina Hurricanes by a score of 3-1, the latter of whom extended its win streak to eight games.

The Sharks struck first in the opening period on a shorthanded goal by William Eklund for his 15th goal and 50th point of the season. It came in unusual fashion, as Eklund was tripped by the stick of former Sharks defenseman Brent Burns on his way to the net, resulting in Eklund colliding into Canes goalie Frederik Andersen and the goal post, causing the net to dislodge. It was briefly reviewed by the officials, and they made the correct call of it being a good goal. Ty Dellandrea was credited with the lone assist on the Sharks’ opening goal of this contest. Certainly an unusual goal, but we and the Sharks will take them in any way, shape, or form any day of the week.

Carolina responded in the second period with Seth Jarvis scoring to tie the game at one. The Canes nearly went ahead soon after on a highlight-reel goal by Jackson Blake, but luckily the Sharks caught a break, as it was overturned after the replay review determined that Blake entered the zone offsides, or before the puck did prior to scoring.

Early in the third period, the Hurricanes redeemed themselves by scoring the go-ahead goal via Sebastian Aho. Later in the period, Carolina added insurance via Sean Walker to extend its lead to two.

Georgi Romanov made his first NHL start tonight against the Hurricanes and was decent, recording 26 saves on 29 shots against. In addition, the Sharks were the first NHL team this season to be officially eliminated from playoff contention after the Blues' 7-2 win over the Ducks on Sunday evening, while one of the San Jose's top blue line prospects, Luca Cagnoni was recently called up from the Barracuda and made his NHL debut tonight. On top of that, both Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Klim Kostin were out of tonight’s games, as they were both dealing with injuries. It is also worth noting that former Sharks and current Hurricanes defenseman Brent Burns has officially moved into fifth in NHL history for longest ironman streaks, playing in his 911th consecutive game and passing Sharks legend Patrick Marleau in the all-time ranks.

Overall, the Sharks got off to a good start and were very much in this contest, but they were not able to generate enough offense to keep up with the Canes tonight, which has become fully expected at this point. Next up, the Sharks host the Boston Bruins on Saturday night at 7:30 pm PT.

Sources: FanDuel Sports Network South, NHL App, Curtis Pashelka via X

Sunday, March 16, 2025

My 8th NHL Game: Capitals 5, Sharks 1 (3/15/25)

I attended my third Sharks game this season, which was my second one in two weeks. Although the Sharks got rocked by the Washington Capitals, the game was quite entertaining with plenty to cover here. Let’s begin:

The promotional theme to this latest game was Celebration of South Asian Heritage, primarily due to the Indian holiday Holi taking place around this time. Like last week’s game, free beanies were given out to everyone in attendance, except the patch on the free beanies had a different design on it. As for the items I purchased at this game, those consisted of a Will Smith, also known as the Fresh Prince of San Jose, t-shirt, a commemoratory Sharks vs. Capitals puck with Macklin Celebrini and Alex Ovechkin on it, and a Yaroslav Askarov player card that benefitted the Sharks Foundation.

Next was warmups, in which I was able to catch in its entirety this time. Besides seeing my Sharks for the third time this year, I was most excited to see Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals play in person for the first time ever. Seeing this particular player and opponent was important to me, as they are two of my favorites in the NHL not on or named the Sharks. In addition, it was cool seeing Zack Ostapchuk make his Sharks debut. Ovechkin was easy to point out on the Capitals' side of the ice, as he was the only one without a helmet and his jersey tucked in before some of his padding. My seats were located in section 212 in the second deck toward the corner of the ice where the Sharks shoot twice. There was a bit of an obstruction with the guard rail, but other than that, the view was pretty sweet. Onto the game itself, the Sharks were no match for the Capitals in this particular game, as Washington was firing on all cylinders to begin this one, opening a 3-0 lead throughout the first period on goals from Dylan Strome, Aliaksei Protas, and Taylor Raddysh. Alexandar Georgiev was yanked after the first period in his sixth consecutive start to try to get some of the Sharks' mojo back, finishing his day with 14 saves on 17 shots against and replaced by Georgi Romanov.

The last aspects of the first period worth mentioning are that Klim Kostin had fallen to the ice and was in a ton of pain after blocking a shot, but luckily he remained in the game after briefly heading into the dressing room. on the more fun side, SJ Sharkie put on a bit of a show during a stoppage in play by doing his best Benson Boone impression. It remained 3-0 Caps through two periods of play, but it featured two fights, tensions boiling over between these two clubs, and inconsistent officiating. The first fight occurred between Zack Ostapchuk and Tom Wilson, while the following one that ensued soon after was between Noah Gregor and Brandon Duhaime. Both of these fights helped make things more interesting heading into the third period. The Sharks were able to get on the board early in the third period on a brilliant goal by Macklin Celebrini for his 21st of the season, assisted by Tyler Toffoli. Any extra hope following the Sharks avoiding getting shut out would get quashed seconds later, as Trevor van Riemsdyk responded with his first goal of the season to restore the Caps' three-goal lead. About four minutes later, a bit of history was witnessed, as Alex Ovechkin deflected one in for the 887th goal of his career and is now eight goals away from breaking the all-time goals record. Most everyone in the building cheered when Ovi scored to practically put this one away for good. I was kinda hoping he wouldn't inch closer to this elusive record against my Sharks, but at the same time, I am grateful I got to witness a bit of history in person, and I have nothing but respect for the Great 8.

Georgi Romanov compiled nine saves on 11 shots against in relief for Georgiev, while the Sharks couldn't solve Logan Thompson for much of this contest. The Sharks' record now falls to 3-2-2 when I am at their games, and the Washington Capitals have become the ninth NHL team I have now seen play in person. This game was fairly one-sided in favor of the Caps, but I am incredibly thankful I got to witness this game in person, as this could possibly be my only chance to see the great Alex Ovechkin play in person before he potentially calls it a career. Now that this game has concluded, it has become easier for me to root for Ovechkin to break the all-time goals record and heading into the playoffs, and hopefully this major accomplishment is realized for him before the end of this season. I can't entirely fault this Sharks team for putting up a stinker against one of the top teams in the NHL on Saturday, but witnessing how certain aspects of this game unfolded was simply surreal, and I am incredibly thankful to have shattered my record for most NHL/Sharks games I have attended in a season in 2024-25. In the meantime, the Sharks don't play again until Thursday, when they host the Carolina Hurricanes in their next game at 7:30 pm PT.