The Sharks fell 6-2 and penalty trouble was a major issue in the loss. The Kings got six power play opportunities and converted on three of them. San Jose’s penalty kill has actually been pretty decent this year but this was an exception and the team can’t continue to get into penalty trouble.
Offensively, the Sharks actually did get some really good chances and forced the Kings’ defenders to turn the puck over. Evander Kane looked good and was probably San Jose’s best forward on the ice, causing turnovers and making plays on the rush. However, San Jose’s forwards kept getting robbed by Cal Petersen, who played great for Los Angeles. Even if the Sharks did manage to convert on a couple more chances though, if you’re allowing six goals, it probably won’t matter anyways.
It’s not like the blame can be placed on a goaltender alone but Martin Jones really couldn’t give the Sharks a save when they needed one. Even if he didn’t get a lot of help, the Sharks probably had just as many quality chances as the Kings did but goaltending made a huge difference.
San Jose's schedule doesn't get easier, as they face the Golden Knights today, who currently hold an 8-2-1 record. Vegas is coming off a 1-0 loss to the Anaheim Ducks and this will be the first meeting between the Golden Knights and Sharks this season.
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Erik Karlsson is off to the most disappointing start of any player on the Sharks: