The Sharks got their first look at their probable playoff matchup on Thursday night. It didn’t turn out the way they wanted, as Edmonton came back for a 4-2 win on Thursday night in San Jose.

Just as the Sharks’ first power play was ending, Joel Ward scored for the second straight game. Ward set up a screen in front of Cam Talbot and tipped in the David Schlemko for his 10th goal of the season. The Sharks held off some Edmonton momentum by killing off a key power play in the final two minutes.

Edmonton got a fluke goal in the second period to tie the game up. A shot from the point deflected off two Sharks’ defenders, which led Connor McDavid to an easy tap-in goal. McDavid hit the 30 goal mark for the first time in his young career. Edmonton’s speed was simply too much for the Sharks, leading them to an advantage in the shot charts.

The Oilers controlled most of the game in the second period, but Brent Burns scored to regain the Sharks lead. A slap shot from the point was enough to squeak by Cam Talbot.

Get outta the way, Burns shot coming through! #Burns4Norris pic.twitter.com/kDYB3ceAMd

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 7, 2017

As the third period hit, Milan Lucic took over the game. He scored all 3 remaining goals left for the hat trick. Two of those were on the power play, proving just how important special teams will need to be in the playoffs. Oscar Klefbom also assisted on all 3 goals, 4 in total. Edmonton finished with a 4-2 win.

Notes

• Burns tied the Sharks’ record for most points in a season by a defenseman. He has one more game on Saturday to try and break that record.
• An Edmonton-San Jose playoff matchup is likely but not officially set. Home ice would be determined by the end of the weekend.
• Barring any miracles, the Sharks will open the playoffs on the road next week with the #3 seed in the Pacific Division.
• Tonight was a bit of a wake up call for the Sharks. After having two relatively easy wins against the Canucks, the Sharks struggled in some ways when playing against a team very capable of facing and beating them in the playoffs./

Fear The Fin Three Stars

• 1st: Milan Lucic
• 2nd: Oscar Klefbom
• 3rd: Jordan Eberle /