Sharks 2021-22 Game 82 Recap: Kraken 3, Sharks 0 (4/29/22)

 The Sharks get shut out by the Seattle Kraken 3-0 in their final game of the 2021-22 season. 

Team Teal didn't have much going for them in their season finale. The main highlight for the Sharks was a nifty move by Thomas Bordeleau in the first period. Otherwise, it was all Seattle in this one. The first two goals by the Kraken were scored in the first period by Yanni Gourde and Adam Larsson respectively. The last Kraken goal came late in the third period on an empty-netter from Victor Rask. 

Kaapo Kahkonen was given the start in net in the Sharks' last game of the season, recording 28 saves in the Sharks' third-straight loss. 

The Sharks finished their 2021-22 campaign with a 32-37-13 record with 77 points, good for sixth in the Pacific Division and 22nd in the overall standings. Their final draft lottery odds sit at three percent in the Shane Wright sweepstakes after the Ducks lose to the Stars 4-2 to finish a point below the Sharks in the overall standings. 

Overall, despite the disappointing ending and dismal stretches of the season, this past season for the Sharks was still better than their previous two seasons, especially since goaltending improved significantly, the young players made strides, and Timo Meier and Tomas Hertl had all-star caliber performances. With that being said, changes need to be made to this team this offseason, and as long as those changes are made and they continue to improve, the future is bright for this Sharks team. 

It will be about four months before the Sharks hit the ice again. I will miss watching Sharks hockey, but at the same time, I am relieved that their season has come to a close with the way much of this season has gone for them. 

The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin next week, and despite the Sharks missing the playoffs for the third-consecutive season, I am excited for the playoffs to get underway. I plan to fill out two playoff brackets: one consisting of who I want to see win and advance, and one consisting of who I think will win and advance. Once those are filled out, I will present those in the coming days leading up to the start of this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs, so be on the lookout for those. 

In the meantime, thank you for following along all season long, and I'll be back next season with more postgame recaps covering what will hopefully be a much better Sharks team. 

Sources: NHL App, Multiple sources via Twitter

Sharks 2021-22 Game 81 Recap: Oilers 5, Sharks 4 (OT) (4/28/22)

 The Sharks fought hard until the very end, but couldn’t get the win as the Oilers prevail in overtime 5-4. 

Despite the less-than-ideal outcome, there were plenty of positive aspects of this game from the Sharks' perspective, especially the younger players banding together and further proving themselves for the future. The Sharks scored the first two goals early in the first period, both of which were by Noah Gregor. Sasha Chmelevski assisted on the first Gregor goal, while Thomas Bordeleau assisted on the other Gregor goal. 

The Oilers scored the next two goals via Ryan McLeod and Kailer Yamamoto in the second period to tie the game at two before Scott Reedy followed those up on the power play to get the Sharks back within one on his seventh goal of the season and at the NHL level. This one was redirected in, with Brent Burns and Logan Couture picking up assists. 

Derek Ryan scored the next goal for the Oilers in the third period to tie it at three, while Nick Bonino regained the lead for the Sharks from Logan Couture and Matt Nieto shortly after. About a minute later, Philip Broberg scored his first NHL goal to tie the game at four for the Oilers to force bonus hockey. Edmonton hadn't led the entire game until OT, when Zach Hyman would score the game-winner to win it for the Oilers. 

James Reimer was solid in net in this game despite not getting his 20th win of the season, recording 26 saves. 

In other news, the Golden Knights were officially eliminated from playoff contention for the first time in their franchise history with their third straight shootout loss, this time to the Blackhawks, and the Stars earning a point against the Coyotes. Thank goodness. Also, the Sharks displayed a hidden message on their jumbotron during their final home game this season on Tuesday, which read "Fans unite! Celebrate! Keep the hockey energy kicking! Now imbibe generously, honor the Sharks!" Based on the first letter of every word in this message, it was interpreted as "F*ck the Knights," which was hilarious, savage, and brilliant.

The Sharks wrap up their 2021-22 season tonight in Seattle against the Kraken tonight at 7 pm PT.

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App

Sharks 2021-22 Game 80 Recap: Ducks 5, Sharks 2 (4/26/22)

 The Sharks drop their home finale of the season to the Anaheim Ducks 5-2. 

Team Teal crapped the bed in their latest game compared to their previous few. They fell behind early, mounted a comeback late in the second period, but the next goal to tie or possibly lead was out of reach for them unfortunately. The Ducks struck first early in the first period via Trevor Zegras on the power play; luckily he didn't pull off the lacrosse goal this time. Troy Terry nearly scored another one for Anaheim, but it was overturned after the replay review determined that there was a distinct kicking motion on that particular play.

The Ducks extended their lead to 3-0 early in the middle frame with goals from Max Comtois and Sonny Milano. The Sharks' comeback began late in the second period with a goal by Brent Burns on the man advantage followed by Scott Reedy's sixth goal of the season and at the NHL level. Logan COuture, Thomas Bordeleau, Jaycob Megna, and Sasha Chmelevski each picked up assists on the Sharks' only two goals of the game. 

San Jose had opportunities to tie and go ahead early in the final frame but hit a few posts in the process. In addition, Jonah Gadjovich and Hunter Drew fought due to a hit laid on Noah Gregor by Drew. Later in the third, the Ducks capped this one off with a goal from Josh Mahura and an empty-netter from Zach Aston-Reese, taking the season series with the Sharks three games to one. 

Kaapo Kahkonen didn't have his best performance last night, recording 26 saves and giving up four goals in the loss. 

In other news, Rudolfs Balcers announced after the game that he will be competing for Team Latvia in the World Championships in Finland next month. Also, the Dallas Stars defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2 in a shootout last night, putting the Knights on the brink of missing the playoffs once more. The great part now is that the only way the Golden Knights can make the playoffs this season is if they win out the rest of the season and the Stars lose the remainder of their regular season games. Considering this scenario and who each of these teams are facing in their last two regular season games, the odds of Vegas pushing through and extending their season are quite slim. The rest of the NHL and I are begging for this unlikely outcome to not occur, and I am very confident that things won't play out that way. Vegas missing the playoffs for the first time in their franchise history is necessary for the sanity of the NHL and to maintain parity throughout the league. 

As for this game, it wasn't how we wanted the last home game of the season to end, but we shouldn't be all that shocked that it ended this way with how this season has gone as a whole. The Sharks' next-to-last game of the season is Thursday in Edmonton against the Oilers at 6 pm PT. 

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App

Sharks 2021-22 Game 79 Recap: Sharks 5, Golden Knights 4 (SO) (4/24/22)

 The Sharks come from behind and get a huge win in the shootout over the Vegas Golden Knights 5-4 to snap their 11-game losing streak against the Knights. 

This game was an absolute thriller. In fact, this may possibly be the Sharks' best win of the season. It also brought back vibes from the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs first round series between these two teams. Most importantly, the Sharks played spoiler and put a thorn in the Golden Knights' playoff hopes this season. It was incredible, and the rest of the NHL had the Sharks' backs in this one. 

But first, I must begin with how this game began. The Sharks scored first around the midway point of the first period on Tomas Hertl's 30th goal of the season, getting helpers from Alexander Barabanov and Jaycob Megna. The Golden Knights went on to score the next three goals by Chandler Stephenson on the power play in the first period and by Max Pacioretty and William Carrier in the second period. The Sharks got back within one late in the second period on Nick Bonino's first goal of the game, with Jaycob Megna collecting his second assist of the game and Matt Nieto picking up the second assist on that goal. 

Vegas extended its lead back to two early in the third period via Nicolas Roy. At this point, it seemed as if the Sharks were bound to lose their 12th straight to Vegas and disappoint the entire NHL. However, the Sharks shocked everyone with their comeback efforts late in the third with Nick Bonino’s second goal of the game and Timo Meier’s 35th goal of the season at the last second of regulation to force overtime and a shootout. Logan Couture and Brent Burns assisted on the game-tying goal at the last second of regulation to extend this game. 

It now had to be decided in the skills competition, and Thomas Bordeleau scored the lone shootout goal with some nifty moves in only his fifth NHL game. This was also the first game-winner of his NHL career, even though he has yet to officially record his first NHL goal. 

Although he gave up four goals, James Reimer was clutch when he needed to be, making 42 saves in the Sharks' comeback win. 

On top of that, the Golden Knights could get eliminated from playoff contention on Tuesday if they lose to the Dallas Stars in regulation, which would mark the first time in their franchise history missing the playoffs. This would amazing and great for the NHL if all goes to plan. 

Back to the Sharks, coming off their third win in their past four games, this one has to feel great. They face the Anaheim Ducks in their last home game of the season on Tuesday at 7:30 pm PT. 

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App

Sharks 2021-22 Game 78 Recap: Sharks 4, Blackhawks 1 (4/23/22)

 The Sharks get back in the win column as they defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 during their Fan Appreciation Night. 

San Jose was able to find its offense along with great goaltending from Kaapo Kahkonen Saturday night. The Sharks scored first in the first period via Jasper Weatherby from Scott Reedy and Sasha Chmelevski. They extended their lead to two early in the second period via Tomas Hertl on a great setup from Timo Meier. Around the midway point of the second period, Timo Meier extended the Sharks' lead to three, with Alexander Barabanov collecting an assist on that third goal for Team Teal. The Blackhawks salvaged a goal in the later half of the second from Tyler Johnson to avoid getting shut out. 

The Sharks received some extra insurance in the third period with a goal from Nick Bonino on the power play, with assists from Brent Burns and Logan Couture. 

Kaapo Kahkonen was outstanding in net and earned his second win as a Shark, recording 27 saves in the process. 

Since it was Fan Appreciation Night at the Tank, the Sharks' Team End-of-Season Awards were announced. They are as follows: 

• Media Good Guy: James Reimer 
• Prospect of the Year: Brandon Coe 
• Rookie of the Year: Jonathan Dahlen 
• Player of the Year: Timo Meier 

It's great to see this Sharks team win again, even if it may potentially hurt their chances at a top draft pick this year. In addition, the Sharks won their season series over the Blackhawks, taking two of three games. Next up, the Sharks travel to Las Vegas to face the Golden Knights one last time this season in attempt to play spoiler to knock the Knights out of the playoff race, which will take place tonight at 7 pm PT. 

Sources: Sharks Audio Network, NHL App

Sharks 2021-22 Game 77 Recap: Blues 3, Sharks 1 (4/21/22)

 The Sharks were unable to get over the hump once again as they lose to the St. Louis Blues 3-1. 

The same theme in many of their previous games this season continues: able to keep pace with the other team, but can't seem to muster up enough offense to win. Noah Gregor scored the Sharks' first and only goal of the game early in the first period, with Rudolfs Balcers and Thomas Bordeleau picking up assists on that goal. The Blues answered back a few minutes later via Dakota Joshua to tie the game at one. 

The Blues went on to score the next two goals via Robert Thomas 31 seconds into the second period and an empty-netter from Pavel Buchnevich late in the third. 

James Reimer was one of the main factors keeping the Sharks in this game, recording 25 saves. 

In other news and on a more positive note, it was announced that the Sharks will open next season in Prague, Czech Republic for their first two games against the Nashville Predators as part of the NHL Global Series on October 7 and 8. Prague is also the hometown of Tomas Hertl. In addition, the Sharks will play an exhibition game in Berlin, Germany against Eisbaren Berlin on October 4. These will be part of the first of a series of NHL international games since 2019. 

San Jose has gone back to its losing ways, while St. Louis is currently on a 14-game point streak. Next up, the Sharks host the Chicago Blackhawks in their next-to-last home game of this season on Saturday at 5 pm PT. 

Sources: NBC Sports Bay Area/California, NHL App

Sharks 2021-22 Game 76 Recap: Sharks 3, Blue Jackets 2 (4/19/22)

 A three-goal first period propelled the Sharks to snap their ten-game losing skid, defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2. 

Despite being out of the playoff picture and the other issues that may be at hand, a win is a win, and that’s gotta feel good.There we’re also a few great notable aspects to this game that are worth discussing. First, Scott Reedy scored his first goal of the game early in the first period on his backhand on the power play. Noah Gregor and Logan Couture were credited with the assists on the first goal of this game. The Sharks’ next goal came about four minutes later via Rudolfs Balcers, with Thomas Bordeleau picking up his second NHL point and his second NHL assist on that play. Rounding out the three-goal first period for the Sharks was Scott Reedy’s second goal of the game, in which he batted out of mid air and into the net late in the first. Sasha Chmelevski was credited with the lone assist on the Sharks’ third goal and Scott Reedy’s second goal of the game. 

The second period was fairly quiet, but the Blue Jackets made things interesting in the third period. Columbus mounted a comeback effort in the final frame on two goals from Jack Roslovic, but the Sharks were able to hold on for their first win since March 26 against the Ducks. 

Not only did the Sharks’ ten-game losing streak end, Scott Reedy recorded his first multi-goal game of his career. Kaapo Kahkonen finally got his first win as a Shark, recording 22 saves. In addition, the Sharks got their 1,100th regular-season win in franchise history Tuesday night, a remarkable milestone. 

In other news, the Sharks recently signed goalie Strauss Mann to a one-year contract. Mann went undrafted and previously played for the Fargo Force of the USHL, the University of Michigan, and most recently Skelleftea AIK in the SHL. During his tenure with Skelleftea AIK, Mann had a 13-8-1 record with a 2.19 GAA, a .914 SV%, and three shutouts, which were all top-six in the SHL this past season respectively. He also represented Team USA during the 2022 Winter Olympics, posting a 1-1 record with a 1.85 GAA and a .945 SV%. In addition, I completed my second fantasy hockey season, finishing in seventh place. I had previously gone on a lengthy cold streak until last week, when that cold streak ended with a blowout win in the 7th place game to end the fantasy season on a high note.

Only six games remain in the Sharks’ 2021-22 campaign, so enjoy them while you can. The Sharks’ final homestand of the season continues Thursday, when they host the St. Louis Blues at 7:30 pm PT. 

Sources: NHL App, Sharks + SAP Center App