November 1st 2024.
In an exciting game between the San Jose Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks, it was Will Smith who stole the spotlight with his first two goals in the NHL. Smith, who had yet to score a point in his first eight games with the Sharks, finally broke through in a big way. The young forward's impressive performance, along with some crucial saves from goalie Mackenzie Blackwood, helped the Sharks secure a 3-2 victory and extend their winning streak to three games.
Smith wasted no time making an impact, scoring his first goal just six minutes and 52 seconds into the game. Positioned near the faceoff dot, he received a pass from teammate Luke Kunin and swiftly fired a shot past the Blackhawks' goalie, Petr Mrazek. The goal not only gave the Sharks an early lead, but it also made Smith the youngest U.S.-born player to score a goal with the Sharks at just 19 years and 228 days old.
But Smith was far from done. In the second period, with the Sharks on a power play, he once again showed off his quick release and found the back of the net for his second goal of the night. This time, it was Blackhawks winger Craig Smith serving a penalty, and Will Smith took advantage of the opportunity to give the Sharks a 3-2 lead.
Despite a strong effort from the Blackhawks, who spent much of the third period pressuring the Sharks in their own zone, Blackwood stood tall in the net and made 13 saves to preserve the win. His performance was crucial in securing just the second three-game win streak for the Sharks since the 2023-24 season.
In addition to Will Smith's two goals, Alexander Wennberg also contributed with a goal of his own for the Sharks. With the win, they now turn their focus to the Vancouver Canucks, whom they will face on Saturday as they continue their homestand.
Smith's impressive night did not come as a surprise to Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky, as the young forward had met with him earlier in the day and seemed determined to make an impact. Even Sharks radio play-by-play voice Dan Rusanowsky noticed Smith's confidence, as the 19-year-old told him, "Tonight's the night," just hours before the game.
Smith's journey to this moment has been a remarkable one. As the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, he has been highly touted for his skills on the ice. Last season, he led all NCAA Division I players with an impressive 71 points in just 41 games. And while it took him some time to find his footing in the NHL, Smith's persistence finally paid off with his first two goals on Thursday.
The Blackhawks, however, did not go down without a fight. After Smith's first goal, they responded with two quick goals of their own to take a 2-1 lead. Former Shark Ryan Donato and Tyler Bertuzzi were the ones to find the back of the net, but it was ultimately not enough to overcome the Sharks' strong performance.
As for Smith, his memorable night will surely be one to remember for a long time. Not only did he score his first two NHL goals, but he also became the youngest U.S.-born skater to do so in Sharks history. And with his determination and talent, it's safe to say this is just the beginning of an exciting career for Will Smith.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
