Sharks Scorch Ducks 6-1 in Makiniemi’s 1st NHL Start, Couture Leaves Game

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The San Jose Sharks visit the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Timo Meier, Scott Harrington, Erik Karlsson, and Nico Sturm put the Sharks out to 4-0 lead, and San Jose was able to close out the Ducks 6-1.

The brothers Megna 🧡

This is their first time playing against each other in the NHL.

🤝 @SanJoseSharks @Jayson_Megna | @JaycobMegna pic.twitter.com/fHPfmb0Y7G

— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) December 10, 2022

Period 1

4 in: Bonino turns it over in NZ up the middle, but intention matters. Bonino’s target was open, he just heeled the pass. Instead of forcing it into coverage.

6 in: Simek separates Comtois from puck, good job. Learned last game that Simek’s first fight was against Comtois in 2020-21.

9 in: Couture backchecks hard, covers the otherwise open slot on rush. Good read, would’ve been a Grade-A for Comtois.

Karlsson with another pass that usually only works in video games, like Kunin feed earlier this year

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) December 10, 2022

Both Fowler and Kulikov covered Hertl, Karlsson saw Meier alone and fired a bullet. Good hands by Meier to convert too.

Svechnikov has replaced Nieto on San Jose Sharks’ second power play unit.

2 left: Labanc about to come off, instead of forcing offense with pass up middle, pitchforks it out of DZ. Maybe somewhere he forces in another scenario? Slower-paced, but more manageable game this way.

Period 2

A solid opening frame from the San Jose Sharks, 4-1 Slot Shots ES, same High-Danger at 5v5.

2 in: Now that’s a pass up the middle of NZ that Gadjovich should not make, I think. Sniffed out.

5 in: Now Svechnikov with a behind the back, between the legs pass to try to hit Couture on entry.

Harrington scores his first goal for the Sharks, his first NHL goal since 2020-21

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) December 10, 2022

Looks like, on that Harrington goal, something of a loose, fortunate entry by San Jose Sharks, but you’ll take it.

Karlsson's first goal since Nov. 17, beautiful entry by Barabanov

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) December 10, 2022

Sturm goal: Sturm on top of it, alert, recognizes the bad bounce, beats McTavish to it.

Zegras goal: Through high screen, but the rookie will want that back. You don’t like it for the momentum it gives to Ducks, makes them think they got a chance with so much game left.

Period 3

3 in: Barabanov looks like he had a bit of daylight to shoot for on bad angle. Instead, later in PP, he takes a penalty to kill the power play.

4 in: Good hold by Hertl on 4-on-4, no need to force the offense to Meier, risky.

Couture makes his way to hallway, under his own power

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) December 10, 2022

Couture back on the bench after that big block on Fowler. Hopefully, crisis averted. Of course, Ferraro finished his game before being put on IR.

Welp never mind. Couture is not on bench anymore.

Roll them Bones! That's a three-game goal-scoring streak for Bonino

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) December 10, 2022

Lorentz goal: Good for Steven, he’s had a lot of chances this year.

Hertl does not appreciate that late shot by Carrick

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) December 10, 2022

Gadjovich 10-9 Carrick, Gadj with knockdown. Hertl will thank him later.