Karlsson Hits 50, But Sharks Collapse, Lose 4-3 in OT

The San Jose Sharks welcome the Philadelphia Flyers into SAP Center. Tomas Hertl got the Sharks off to a quick start, added another in the second period, and Kevin Labanc scored, but the Flyers rallied and peeled off three late goals for the 4-3 OT victory.

Period 1

Two big saves by Kahkonen to start, the Konecny partial breakaway off Couture turnover, and just now off DeAngelo. Time for #SJSharks to repay favor

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) December 30, 2022

7 in: San Jose Sharks almost take advantage of some bad Philly hockey. DeAngelo breakout pass up the middle just a touch hard for Deslauriers, turnover up the middle to Simek, who does a nice job of sidestepping the desperate, hurtling Deslauriers and getting it on net. Gadjovich has one, two, three whacks at it right in front of Ersson.

Hertl goal: There you go. Ferraro helps kill play on one end with his quick-twitch, then Hertl wins it on forecheck. Then Karlsson does what he does best.

Tomas Hertl scores first for the #SJSharks off a pass from Erik Karlsson. With the assist, Karlsson extends his assist/point streak to 11 games. This is now tied for the third-longest point streak in franchise history, and longest since 2005-06 (Jonathan Cheechoo, 12 games).

— San Jose Sharks PR (@SanJoseSharksPR) December 30, 2022

Konecny goal: Rough start for Couture. Loses the draw, doesn’t tie up Konecny’s stick on point shot.

5 left: Looks like Nieto-Hertl-Labanc have a step so far tonight.

3 left: Karlsson sees opportunity, a Flyer loses a stick blocking Karlsson’s outlet pass, he picks it up and attacks, one man shed. Example of him playing faster than everybody else though, I mean that in a good way, he’s wide-open in slot because of his read, but his linemates can’t get the pass over. That’s a shame.

Neither team really distinguished themselves in this frame, I think, Sharks 5-3 High-Danger at 5-on-5, 5-5 Slot Shots in All Situations.

Period 2

1 in: Sturm heated, he beat one Flyer to potential icing, but there was another Flyer DeAngelo that he was going to beat, but ref blew it down anyway. Discretionary, I guess, but good hustle at least.

3 in: Better net front defense from Karlsson. Point shot comes in, I know he’s not likely to win the physical battle, but the stick is quick on I think Frost.

Hertl goal: Karlsson-like pass from Meier. Meier shows shot, finds Hertl down low.

8 left: Smart play by Sturm on entry, receives puck in awkward place on entry, just backs up into defender to protect it, tries to bounce it to Lindblom, who can’t quite catch up.

6 left: Wow. Don’t see those kind of net front battles anymore, just warfare between Sanheim and Meier. Sanheim cross-checked him, Meier tried to bulldoze Sanheim with his head. Shocked no call either way.

5 left: But then don’t like that Meier decision. Karlsson gives it to a dead-tired Meier to skate out. Meier pick-pocketed, does recover, but then hands it back to Karlsson. Maybe Karlsson calling for it, who knows? But there, I know Meier got turned around and was facing Karlsson, but loft it out. Tired Karlsson by skin of his teeth gets it out without damage.

Period 3

Labanc goal: Nice shot. But that’s what it feels like when it’s the other goalie who gives up that one softie (despite some other really good saves). Kaapo holding firm so far.

3 in: It’s not about the mistake, it’s how you react to it. Harrington shows it there, puck glances off his stick into slot, killer turnover maybe, but he blocks the shot with his stick.

Tippett goal: Aw shucks. Kahkonen could use a wire-to-wire strong game. Bang-bang, looks like Kahkonen might have given up the post too early? Tippett able to place it by him. But you still got the lead.

9 in: Head on swivel, Labanc covers the slot with a good stick, bats away what would’ve been a Grade-A Provorov chance. The d-man was creeping down slot.

Farabee penalty: Labanc leaves because of Farabee boarding. Was a major, minor after a review, I’ll have to look again but I dunno about that change.

5 left: San Jose Sharks PP needs to get organized. Cates just had it in dead slot, he just went high.

3 left: Good stick by Bonino to deflect it out, Sharks pinned down.

Laughton goal: Ouch. Looks like just a point shot heave that Laughton able to get stick on. Was that Ferraro in front? Previous shift that led to OZ draw was maybe Meier going for empty net with one-goal lead. Was that the right play? Did not look like a great opportunity for Meier.

OT

Ouch.