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The San Jose Sharks came up short against the Anaheim Ducks last night, losing 5-4 in a shootout.
The Sharks came out strong early and opened the scoring only four minutes into the game, with Kevin Labanc’s pass on a rush going in off John Klingberg. While San Jose did continue to outplay Anaheim following the goal, the Ducks managed to even the game later in the period, off a goal from Brett Leason. San Jose continued to control the frame even after the Ducks tied it but later on, Trevor Zegras found Max Comtois with a nice pass after an entry and Comtois converted, giving the Ducks the lead. Despite San Jose outshooting Anaheim by a ridiculous 21-4 margin in the period, they exited the period down a goal.
Timo Meier did tie the game for San Jose in the second period, taking a pass from Erik Karlsson and beating Anthony Stolarz with a one-timer from a good spot. Then as San Jose continued to outplay the Ducks, Tomas Hertl found Luke Kunin for a tip-in on a power play late in the frame, giving the Sharks a 3-2 lead, as they dominated Anaheim through 40 minutes.
San Jose then extended the lead to two goals midway through the third period, with Tomas Hertl roofing a shot past Stolarz and based on the way the game had gone, it looked like they were in a good spot to take home a win.
However, Mason McTavish capitalized on a breakaway chance with about four minutes left in the third period, cutting the lead back to one. Then with only about 1:30 to go, James Reimer couldn’t manage to cover a puck right in front of him and it got out to Adam Henrique who jammed it in, tying the game and sending it to overtime.
The teams traded some chances in the extra frame, with San Jose giving up a couple good rush chances but James Reimer came up with big saves, and the game continued to a shootout.
The Sharks and Ducks each scored once through the first two rounds and after Nick Bonino converted as the fifth shooter, the pressure was on the Ducks – however, Mason McTavish managed to beat Reimer with a nice move to keep things going. Neither team could then score in the fourth round and then after Timo Meier couldn’t score as San Jose’s fifth shooter, Adam Henrique beat Reimer, giving the Ducks the extra point.
It’s obviously a disappointing outcome for San Jose, after completely outplaying Anaheim through most of the game. They still gave up some good chances throughout the night but deserved a better fate.
That said, yet again, the Sharks surrendered a late goal and it ended up costing them (and it was also one that Reimer just shouldn't be giving up). It marks the fourth time in six games that the Sharks have blown a third period lead and it’s also their third shootout loss in a row.
The positive is that San Jose’s top forwards continue to get back on track, with Tomas Hertl and Timo Meier each scoring a goal and three points. After such a slow start to the year, it’s hugely important to see both contributing.
With the loss, the Sharks fall to 3-8-3 this season. They’ll now have a break until Thursday, when they begin a four-game road trip against the Dallas Stars.
OTHER ARTICLES FROM NOVEMBER
Erik Karlsson’s hat trick not enough as Sharks fall to Ducks in shootout
Sharks mount comeback against Panthers but still fall in a shootout 
San Jose Sharks Blogger • 
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