While the preseason certainly isn’t an indication of what the season will bring, San Jose Sharks fans should be happy with some of the things they saw in the team’s first preseason game of the season. The Sharks came out buzzing in the first period, throwing the body and setting the tone even though the scoreboard stayed empty. Quentin Musty got things going with a huge hit on Cole Reinhardt, and Kaedan Korczak was laying hits, breaking up plays and firing a handful of dangerous shots, including one with under a minute left that nearly broke through.
Anthony Vincent was everywhere, winning draws, blocking shots, and even hammering Raphael Lavoie in the corner before getting a good look on net. San Jose also earned the only power play of the period after Cole Schwindt hooked Michael Misa. While the Sharks didn’t score on the power play, the team moved the puck well and created some momentum.
Alex Nedeljkovic stayed solid in the net for San Jose, stopping everything with ease and keeping Vegas frustrated. The Sharks outworked the Golden Knights physically with guys like Zack Ostapchuk and Misa all laying big hits to keep the pressure on.
While the first period ended scoreless, San Jose clearly owned the edge when in the energy battle.
Second period
In the second period, the Sharks wasted no time getting on the board. John Klingberg ripped a power play wrister past Golden Knights goaltender Carl Lindbom.
Tyler Toffoli set it up perfectly, and that one really felt like a statement goal. The Sharks’ power play looked dangerous every second.
The whole building woke up after that, and San Jose completely took control of the game.
The Sharks kept pushing, forcing giveaways left and right, and it finally paid off when Jeff Skinner tipped home a beauty from Sam Dickinson and Will Smith to double the Sharks’ lead and make it 2-0 with less than a minute remaining in the second period.
The defense did its part too, with Cole Clayton, Luca Cagnoni, and forward Collin Graf all stepping up with big blocks. Ostapchuk and Vincent kept playing physical, throwing hits that made Vegas think twice about cutting through the middle.
Overall, this was the Sharks’ period. The players won battles, cashed in on their chances, and set themselves up to finish strong in the third.
Third period
The Sharks went into the third protecting a 2–0 lead and played a tight, grinding period before putting the game away late. Things started pretty even. The physicality ramped up as the period went on with big hits from Vincent, but San Jose kept its composure and stayed in control. Hopefully a sign of things to come as the season progresses.
Vegas got its only power play chance of the frame when Ostapchuk was called for interference, but the Sharks’ penalty kill stayed perfect with Nedeljkovic coming up clutch. Right after the kill, San Jose kept building pressure. Sapovaliv and Holtz both had looks, forcing Nedeljkovic to stay sharp.
The turning point came in the final minute. After another Misa faceoff win, the Sharks set up in the offensive zone and Tyler Toffoli ripped home his first of the year, set up beautifully by Dickinson and Musty. That made it 3–0 and effectively iced the game.
San Jose played out the final seconds with strong defensive shifts, blocking shots and clearing pucks until the horn sounded to lock up the shutout win.
Though this game was objectively and obviously great for the Sharks, it is the preseason. There are still things to work on when the players return to training camp this morning.
“We can’t be flipping pucks to the neutral zone, losing wall battles with soft flips, and when you want to argue the penalty and whatnot, we can’t take penalties up to nothing. Next thing you know, it’s 2-1, four and a half minutes left. We’ve seen this act before, so those are the things that we need to improve on,” said Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky after the game.
It’s a key that the players need to remember, especially considering the issues the team struggled with last season.
It was a good night, especially for Dickinson and Misa, they both made their presences known.
“I wasn’t really looking just to be out there, you know, tonight, I kind of wanted to make a difference and showcase what I can do on the ice. And, you know, I think I did a pretty good job of that tonight,” said Dickinson.
Misa on the other hand, is more humble in his approach.
“Yeah, I felt good. I thought, as the game went along, I got more comfortable. It’s just gonna have to be something I’m gonna have to get used to,” said Misa
That is correct. It’s just the beginning of the season and there are still things to polish and at the same time things to celebrate.
Scoring Summary Vegas Golden Knights at San Jose Sharks Sept. 21, 2025
First Period
No scoring
Second Period
7:18 SJS John Klingberg from Tyler Toffoli
19:14 SJS Jeff Skinner from Sam Dickinson and Will Smith
Third Period
19:17 SJS Tyler Toffoli from Sam Dickinson and Quentin Musty
