Just minutes into the game, Dylan Cozens took a shot from near the right goal line that found its way to the Sharks net through Kaapo’s 5-hole. But that did not phase San Jose as they continued to ratchet up the pressure on Buffalo. With just over 3 minutes left in the period, Evgeny Svechnikov deflected a shot from Jacob McDonald and tied the game at 1.
For almost 15 minute of hockey, Buffalo did not have a shot on goal. But then a turnover by the Sharks in their zone followed up with a poor play to clear the puck, ended with Owen Power putting it in the Sharks net through Kaapo’s 5-hole.Again, the Sharks continued ratcheting up the pressure and again it paid off. at 11:57 of the 2nd period, A shot from Logan Couture bounced off the backboard and ended up on the tape of Alexander Barabonav on the bottom-inside of the left circle. He shot it in the net from behind the goalie and tied the game at 2.
The Sabres started to dominate in the 3rd period. They even had a penalty shot but Kaapo covered his 5-hole this time and made the block. Half way through the 3rd period, another turnover by the Sharks next to their own net, ended with Jeff Skinner getting an easy shot in the net. Coming from behind for the 3rd time tonight proved to be one too many times. An empty net goal by Alex Tuch sealed the 4-2 loss for the Sharks.
Tonight the Sharks led in Shots (35-31), Hits (19-12), Blocked Shots (18-9) and Giveaways (10-11) while the Sabres led in Faceoffs (53%-47%) and Takeaways (12-9)
Three stars of the game:
1: Jeff Skinner (1G, 1A)
2: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (33 Saves, .943 SV%)
3: Steven Lorentz (1A, +1)
San Jose Sharks vs Seattle Kraken on Monday 02/20/23 at SAP Center
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