The San Jose Sharks are in a rebuilding year. Various trades and AHL call ups have the Sharks constantly trying to find their groove. And the newest players to move from the Barracuda to the Sharks last night were Luca Cagnoni and Georgi Romanov.
It's a double debut kind of night! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/mB1hp9RiZx
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 21, 2025
In addition, Brent Burns made his return to the Shark Tank, creating an exciting night to be a Sharks Fan!
The first period started smoothly until Zack Ostapchuk took a penalty for hooking Sebastian Aho 11 minutes in. With the Sharks on the penalty kill, there was a surprising short-handed goal when William Eklund tried to make a move around a diving Burns, only to take himself and the puck into the net.
William Eklund shorthanded goal? pic.twitter.com/cFONXSZDpk
— JD Young (@MyFryHole) March 21, 2025
With a minute remaining in the period, the Sharks had a chance to lengthen the team’s lead when Carolina’s Taylor Hall took a penalty for hooking Eklund.
Unfortunately, in the carryover time in the second period, the Sharks could not capitalize. Instead, it was the Hurricanes next on the board when Seth Jarvis snapped one by Romanov to tie the score.
Naps, caffeine, and scoring goals
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) March 21, 2025
The Seth Jarvis way pic.twitter.com/G1oU9lfC9W
Shortly after, Jackson Blake looked like he extended the lead, but it was deeper offsides and the goal was disallowed. The two teams headed into the third period with the game tied.
Five minutes into the third period, Sebastian Aho sniped one into the net, to make it 1-2 in favor of Carolina.
My goodness, Sebastian Aho 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/4jL1tB6YFq
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) March 21, 2025
Sean Walker made it 3-1 later in the third period. Despite getting some opportunities on the man advantage late in the period, the Sharks could not find that second goal. The team lost 3-1.
Brent Burns returns to the Shark Tank
In his return to San Jose, Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Burns played in his 911th consecutive NHL game, surpassing former Sharks teammate Patrick Marleau for the fifth-longest iron man streak in league history. Burns’ streak, which began in November 2013, highlights his exceptional durability and commitment to the game.
It was a case of perfect timing for #RaiseUp defenseman Brent Burns last night, as he passed former teammate Patrick Marleau for sole possession of the fifth longest iron man streak in NHL history, back out west where they once made their marks. https://t.co/F0Mo91WZ3l
— Ryan Henkel (@RyanHenkel_) March 21, 2025
During his 11 seasons with the Sharks, Burns amassed 798 regular-season games, recording 172 goals and 594 points, including a Norris Trophy in 2017. At 40, Burns continues to defy age, averaging over 21 minutes of ice time per game this season and contributing 22 points. His return was greeted with roaring Sharks fans and a win.
Burns had 22:09 of total ice time this game, playing more than any other defenseman on the Hurricanes. He finished the night with an assist.
Luca Cagnoni on his NHL debut
In addition to it being goaltender Georgi Romanov’s debut, Luca Cagnoni skated alongside him in a rookie lap before the game.
Cagnoni has been an incredible member of the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks AHL affiliate. It’s amazing to have seen him grow and finally join the Sharks for his debut last night.
The Cagnoni gang was at the Shark Tank last night to support Cagnoni and it was heartwarming to watch.
Cagnoni finished the night with 23:15 of ice time and 56.25% Corsi for in all situations. While he looked nervous to start, he seemed to settle in as the game wore on.
Scoring summary Carolina Hurricanes at San Jose Sharks March 20, 2025
First Period
13:00 SJS William Eklund from Ty Dellandrea shorthanded
Second Period
10:31 CAR Seth Jarvis unassisted
Third Period
4:58 CAR Sebastian Aho from Jackson Blake and Brent Burns
14:18 CAR Sean Walker from Taylor Hall and Shayne Gostisbehere
