Ivar Stenberg scored the deciding goal in the shootout as the San Jose Sharks edged the New York Islanders 3-2 at SAP Center. Tyler Toffoli also scored for the Sharks during regulation, with the win ending a six-game point drought for San Jose.
The match opened with a goal from the Islanders’ Hutton in the first period, described as a strange-looking effort on replay. San Jose responded quickly when Dellandrea kept the puck in play, setting up Stenberg to drive to the net. Toffoli’s shot deflected off Stenberg and found the back of the net, leveling the score.
The second period saw the Islanders take the lead again through Eklund, who exploited a slow recovery from Sharks goalie Dellandrea. Dellandrea appeared to hedge toward Schaefer as part of the game plan, leaving a soft spot that Eklund capitalized on. San Jose equalized shortly after when Toffoli scored off a rebound that bounced off Islanders defender Pelech’s face. Pelech remained in the game after the incident.
The third period featured some controversial penalty calls. Sharks forward Marchment received an additional penalty after appearing to throw shots while Eklund was covered and referees seemed to shield him. Meanwhile, Eklund did not receive a boarding minor for a separate incident. Later, a rare double call was made when Goodrow drew a trip, followed by Palat being called for hooking.
San Jose pushed hard with a four-on-three power play late in the third. Celebrini, Smith, Wennberg, and Stenberg combined to create chances, including a dangerous opportunity for Celebrini in the slot and a post hit by Smith. Despite the pressure, the Islanders held on to force overtime.
Wennberg, Celebrini, and Dickinson started the extra period. When Misa was on the ice, Celebrini passed him the puck and moved deep into the neutral zone, engaging in a cat-and-mouse battle with the Islanders’ defense. With two minutes remaining in overtime, Wennberg showed his fitness by stealing the puck from Palmieri along the boards.
The Sharks finally secured the victory in the shootout, with Stenberg converting the winning goal. This result gave San Jose their first point in six games, a well-earned success against a tough Islanders squad.
Key players logged heavy minutes throughout the game. Wennberg led all Sharks forwards with 21:41 on ice time, closely followed by Celebrini and Smith, who both exceeded 21 minutes. The Sharks’ power play showed promise, but ultimately couldn’t break through in regulation.
The match’s intensity and tight scoreline reflected a strong defensive effort from both teams. San Jose’s goaltending faced challenges but held firm when it mattered most, with Dellandrea recovering well from the goal conceded in the second period.
The Islanders remain competitive despite the loss, with Eklund’s goal and defensive resilience keeping them in contention. Pelech’s involvement in the goals against both raised some eyebrows but did not lead to extended absences.
The Sharks will look to build on this performance as they chase consistency. Meanwhile, Stenberg’s confidence growing in front of goal offers a positive sign for the team’s offensive options.
The next game for San Jose is not yet confirmed.
According to Yahoo Sports.
