The San Jose Sharks dethroned the rising LA Kings thanks to Fabian Zetterlund’s shootout goal for a final score of 4-3.
The first period was scoreless for both teams in this classic battle of a Northern versus Southern California. That is until Zetterlund put the Sharks up in the lead in the second period.
After that it was a game of playing catchup for the Kings who ultimately tied it near the end. Overtime was scoreless. Once the shootout began, the Kings were once again playing catchup but unable to put one past Kaapo Kahkonen.
Eklund scores in line drop
It was a big surprise for many to see William Eklund drop down to the third line, however despite the drop, Eklund still was able to put up a goal to give the Sharks a 2-0 lead.
Before the game, Eklund last scored 17 games ago, hence resulting to the drop down to the third line. However, the drop seemed to inject the Swede with some fire as he scored and throughout the game was put back to the top line. On top of ending regulation on the top line, he then started overtime with Captain Logan Couture and Henry Thrun.
Head Coach David Quinn ended the night complimenting Eklund.
“I loved his game tonight,” said Eklund.
Ferraro injured
During the game, Mario Ferraro took a crash towards the boards after getting hit by Kings’ Trevor Lewis.
Per the San Jose Sharks, it was announced that Mario Ferraro was unable to return to the game. Quinn announced that he “expects” Ferraro to miss a few games.
This injury resulted in Calen Addison drawing into Ferraro’s role.
Kaapo Kahkonen rising value
Kahkonen keeps rising and rising in everything you can think. His rising amount of starts, his save percentage rising which ultimately is rising his trade value or his next contract’s dollar value.
Fans may have noticed that Mackenzie Blackwood has not been getting as many starts recently compared to Kahkonen despite saving 31 of 34 shots against the Ducks in Saturday’s game.
I have my official theories as to why, I truly believe Kahkonen will be traded to another team during the trade deadline. With the Sharks already having Blackwood signed till the end of next season at a cheaper contract than Kahkonen and the Barracuda having a bolster of goaltending depth to me it makes sense to get what we can and try something new with backup.
Sharks still have Eetu Makiniemi who was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes during the Brent Burns trade.
The Sharks will play against the New York Rangers here at home on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. where the Sharks hope to continue this winning streak.
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