December 18th 2024.
The San Jose Sharks faced another tough loss on Tuesday night as they were unable to hold onto their third-period lead against the Winnipeg Jets. Despite being up by one with just under 12 minutes left in regulation time, the Sharks allowed two goals to the Jets, resulting in a 4-3 loss at SAP Center.
The game-winning goal came late in the third period when Jets defenseman Dylan DeMelo received a pass from Mason Appleton and took a shot that was tipped in by Adam Lowry. This proved to be the difference-maker, giving the Jets the win with just 13 seconds left on the clock.
This defeat marks the third time in their last four games that the Sharks have lost a one-goal lead in the third period. They also suffered similar late-game losses to the Carolina Hurricanes and the Utah Hockey Club in their previous matchups.
Despite the loss, there were still some standout performances from the Sharks. Jake Walman had two assists, while Tyler Toffoli and Macklin Celebrini each contributed a goal and an assist. The team now looks ahead to their upcoming game against the Colorado Avalanche to finish off their three-game homestand.
It was also a big night for Sharks goalie Alexandar Georgiev, who made his first start in San Jose and finished with an impressive 29 saves. However, he couldn't stop two goals from Jets' Kyle Connor, including a power-play goal that tied the game at 3-3 in the third period.
Georgiev's teammate, Vitek Vanecek, was also present on the bench for the game. However, he was forced to leave in the second period after being hit in the head with a puck. Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky did not have an update on Vanecek's condition after the game.
The Sharks seemed to be in good shape when winger Fabian Zetterlund scored in the third period, giving his team a 3-2 lead. However, the Jets were able to tie it up before ultimately taking the lead with Lowry's late goal.
Zetterlund's goal was his 11th of the season and his second in as many games. In fact, of his 11 goals this season, seven have been scored in the third period, showing his ability to come through in crucial moments.
Celebrini also had a standout game, scoring a goal and assisting on Toffoli's second-period goal. With this performance, he now holds the record for most multi-point games by an 18-year-old in Sharks history.
The Sharks had some strong scoring opportunities in the first period but were unable to capitalize, ultimately trailing 1-0 after 20 minutes of play. The Jets' Gabriel Vilardi was able to tip in a pass at the Sharks' blue line and set up a goal for Mark Scheifele, who found Connor for the score.
Before the game, Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky emphasized the importance of being the aggressor against the Jets, who were leading the league with 45 points. He also stressed the need for his players to win more 50/50 pucks, as this has been a challenge for the team throughout the season.
The Sharks had just come off a 3-3-0 road trip and were looking to bounce back after a feisty 4-3 loss to the Utah Hockey Club on Saturday. In that game, the Sharks felt that some calls were missed by the officials, particularly a hit from behind on Celebrini by Utah's Kevin Stenlund.
In fact, Sharks coach Warsofsky was seen shouting at the officials after the game, resulting in a $25,000 fine from the NHL for his "inappropriate conduct." Despite this, Warsofsky remains passionate about the game and will continue to stand up for his players.
In the end, the Sharks were unable to come away with the win against the Jets, but they showed determination and grit throughout the game. With a tough schedule ahead, the team will need to regroup and come back even stronger in their next matchup.
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