Granlund Scores ‘ESPN’ Goal, Sharks Beat Canucks 4-3

After a shootout loss (2-3) to the Montreal Canadiens, the San Jose Sharks continued their homestand with even better hockey and a win over the Vancouver Canucks—4-3.

The one point that the Sharks earned on Friday gave their fans hope that the team is on the right path. For the first time this season, San Jose outshot the opponent. The Sharks were also a lot more convincing on the power play, making David Quinn say that “it was the best it’s been all season.”

However, the San Jose Sharks started Saturday’s game a little slow. Vancouver had a flurry of chances early, forcing Kaapo Kahkonen to make a series of saves.

It seemed like San Jose needed a wake-up call.

And luckily for the Sharks, this wake-up call delivered the best possible outcome.

3:33 into the first period Vancouver forward Sam Lafferty made it 1-0. But David Quinn immediately challenged the goal, and it worked out: Goalie interference.

The successful coach’s challenge from Quinn seemed like a much-needed chance to shake things up. Over the next few minutes, the San Jose Sharks created a few offensive opportunities that culminated in an upstairs one-timer from Ty Emberson, 1-0. The 23-year-old defenseman scored his first goal in the NHL.

Vancouver responded with a goal from Filip Hronek. 1-1 after the first.

Both teams scored in the second period. First, it was a Fabian Zetterlund’s wrister: 2-1. Tomas Hertl recorded his second assist of the night—and fourth in the last two days.

Again, Vancouver responded, tying the game with a power play goal from Brock Boeser at the very end of the second. 2-2.

This season, this would usually be the setup for another San Jose Sharks’ loss.

But this time? Only 22 seconds into the period, Mikael Granlund scored a beauty when the teams played four-on-four, making it 3-2.

🦈 MIKAEL GRANLUND GOES END-TO-END 🦈

📺: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/sEijvXhbA1 pic.twitter.com/zODAK8LUXn

— NHL (@NHL) November 26, 2023

A little bit over a minute later, Mike Hoffman’s backhand shot on the power play made it 4-2.

Brock Boeser scored his second of the night late, 4-3, but that wasn’t enough for Vancouver to come back.

After tonight’s win, the San Jose Sharks will play the last game of their home stand on Monday, against the Washington Capitals.

🗣️ Live from the locker room: Coach Quinn pic.twitter.com/tfLiXdavGn

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) November 26, 2023