Ryan Carpenter scores first NHL goal

Ryan Carpenter scored the Sharks second goal in the final minute of play in the first period while also tallying his first ever NHL goal. San Jose leads 3-0 after the first period after the center notched his first goal in four career contests, all of which came with the San Jose Sharks.

This is a goal Peter Budaj will want back as Carpenter drove down the right side of the rink before beating the goaltender five-hole to put San Jose up by three with time expiring in the first frame.

The goal is also Carpenter’s first ever NHL point. He had played in 22 minutes and 24 seconds entering the contest. Carpenter led the San Jose Barracuda in points a season ago and has served as a serviceable fourth line center since Tomas Hertl went down with a knee injury.

It’s been a very good first period for the Sharks, at least in terms of the scoreboard. San Jose leads 7-6 in shots at even strength after the first period but trails in score-adjusted corsi and fenwick at even strength. That’s a pretty nice lead to take into the first intermission, though.