It was a big day in Boston for the San Jose Sharks. From sickness being overcome and some big returns. The third-period curse continues, where the Sharks carry a lead from the second period only to lose it in the third. This is the third consecutive loss since the Sharks won 6-3 in Detroit.
Looking at the graph from Natural Stat Trick in all situations, the Sharks brought momentum in the second period. Will Smith scored a very exciting goal followed by an assist on Fabian Zetterlund’s goal.
While there was a lot of good offense and great saves from Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov, the defense fell short in the third. The Bruins ended up with two empty netters and a Charlie Coyle goal in the third period. This game was looking very winnable on the Sharks’ end, and it just as well could have been based on the heat map also from Natural Stat Trick:
There were lots of chances for the Sharks. Today did remind us that this team needs to keep putting in the work shown in the first two periods of this game, to show some sort of progress that they keep lacking. But all to say, we Sharks saw some improvement from the Sharks today, especially with the Zetterlund-Granlund-Smith line, which created two goals and some great plays made by Mikael Granlund.
Homecoming
Today was a nostalgic day for many members of the San Jose Sharks. It was a homecoming for a handful of Boston alumni. Henry Thrun from Harvard, Smith from Boston College and Macklin Celebrini from Boston University.
This is not to mention the coaching and reporting staff, which comprises many Boston residents and school attendees. Ryan Warsofsky (Marshfield), Colin Graf (Boston Junior Bruins), Mario Ferraro (University of Massachusetts), Mike Grier (Boston University).
At the morning skate on TD Garden ice, Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith shared a touching moment skating together as teammates for the first time. The two used to play against each other here often, making it a full-circle moment.
This game is truly an exciting one for the Sharks ensemble.
Askarov is feeling better
On Saturday’s matchup against the New York Islanders, there was a little bit of sickness lingering amongst the Sharks. Unfortunately, the illness caught goaltender Askarov, making him unable to play this past weekend.
Lots of fans were disappointed because the Sharks have gone downhill since the 6-3 win against the Detroit Red Wings, with a 4-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets and another 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders.
Yaroslav Askarov isn't starting for the #SJSharks today due to an illness that caused him to lose too much weight. It is unclear if he would've started against the #Isles. Read more on @TheHockeyNews.⤵️https://t.co/BNqYu5caH2
— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) January 18, 2025
Today in Boston, Askarov made a return with style. He made an incredible save with ten left in the first when Bruins David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie set up a clean shot only for it to bounce off the post into Askarov’s glove.
Sharks highlight vs. Boston Bruins Jan. 20, 2025
Will Smith (Boston College alumni) scores a game-tying goal on his home turf. There was quite a bit of roar coming from his family and friends section and the audience.
Will Smith ties it up for #TheFutureIsTeal!
— JD Young (@MyFryHole) January 20, 2025
2-2 pic.twitter.com/Dk6G6edYtW
Scoring Summary
First Period
9:21 BOS Vinni Lettieri from Jordan Oesterle and Oliver Wahlstrom
13:16 SJS Barclay Goodrow from Nico Sturm and Ty Dellandrea
Second Period
7:02 BOS David Pastrnak from Pavel Zacha and Elias Lindholm
8:52 SJS Will Smith from Mikael Granlund
15:18 SJS Fabian Zetterlund from Will Smith
Third Period
8:22 BOS Charlie Coyle from Matthew Poitras and Brad Marchand
14:11 BOS Charlie Coyle from Matthew Poitras and Mason Lohrei
18:45 BOS Brad Marchand from David Pastrnak into an empty net
19:35 BOS Elias Lindholm from Charlie Coyle and Andrew Peeke into an empty net
