Sharks Secure 3-2 Victory Over Canucks with Key Review Decisions

In a hard-fought and penalty-laden match, the San Jose Sharks triumphed over the Vancouver Canucks with a score of 3-2 on November 24, 2023, at the SAP Center. The victory was highlighted by a crucial video review that awarded a goal to Adam Gaudette, which ultimately sealed the win for the Sharks.

Decisive Moments in the Second Period

The game saw a flurry of action in the second period, beginning with William Eklund scoring a power play goal at the 14:03 mark, leveling the score at 2-2. Eklund’s sharp-angled shot was set up by Macklin Celebrini, who played a pivotal role throughout the match.

Just over a minute later, Gaudette capitalized on a loose puck near the Canucks’ net. While the goal was initially not recognized on the ice, a subsequent review confirmed that Gaudette’s shot had completely crossed the goal line at 15:17. This goal proved decisive, providing the Sharks with a lead they would maintain until the final buzzer.

Goalie Yaroslav Askarov delivered an impressive performance, making 32 saves and securing his ninth win of the month. This victory came as a welcome rebound for the Sharks after suffering a heavy 6-0 defeat to the Colorado Avalanche just days earlier.

Penalty Struggles and Special Teams Performance

The match was characterized by a total of 38 penalty minutes, reflecting the intense nature of the contest. Notably, six penalties were assessed in the final moments of the game, following a scrum near the Sharks’ net with just 1.9 seconds remaining.

Special teams played a crucial role in the Sharks’ win. The team successfully converted 2 of 6 power play opportunities, with Celebrini assisting on Will Smith‘s first-period goal. Smith’s goal marked his eighth of the season and ended a seven-game scoring drought. In contrast, the Canucks struggled on the power play, finishing the game 0-for-9.

Despite the victory, the Sharks have faced challenges against the Canucks historically, now holding a 3-12-5 record against them since the start of the 2019-2020 season. The Sharks are currently two points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference and have a record of 9-4-1 this month.

Lineup Adjustments and Future Outlook

Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky made strategic adjustments to the lineup ahead of the game, introducing John Klingberg and Vincent Iorio into the defensive pairs while scratching Shakir Mukhamadullin and Vincent Desharnais. Klingberg teamed up with Mario Ferraro, while Iorio was paired with rookie Sam Dickinson. These changes aimed to keep the defense fresh as the season progresses.

The game marked Iorio’s return to the NHL after a two-week conditioning loan with the Barracuda, while it was Nick Leddy‘s fifth consecutive healthy scratch. The Sharks are set to face the Golden Knights in Las Vegas in their next outing, aiming to build on their recent success and enhance their playoff prospects.