Again? Sharks Lose Another Game Last Second, Waste Kahkonen Effort

The San Jose Sharks visit T-Mobile Arena to take on the Vegas Golden Knights. Alexander Barabanov got the Sharks on the board, but…

Period 1

1 in: Good patience by Gregor up high, then sliding it to Meier.

8 in: San Jose Sharks have been awful. Theodore just sashays through Karlsson, Erik edition. Kahkonen on the ball so far.

9 left: End of PP, Kahkonen seems more quiet going side to side, on his feet. Is that what he’s been working on?

About the only mistake that Kahkonen has made so far, he's been terrific pic.twitter.com/dIHt2GcjsM

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) February 17, 2023

7 left: Good step by Gregor, love him cutting to the middle with speed and taking a shot, then a big hit on Kolesar, though he holds up because Kolesar turned his back suddenly. But he draws a penalty on Howden.

4 left: MacDonald up top misses Meier standing off to side for one-timer? I like pushing Karlsson/Meier to limit on PP, bleeding into PP2. Those are the stars to tax.

3: Not a good penalty by Eyssimont. His penalty differential isn’t good enough in relation to his skill, to be honest. I love his game, but he has to improve there.

#SJSharks no-showed 1st period, that is, everybody except for Kahkonen. 14 saves, #VegasBorn 7-1 Slot Shots

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) February 17, 2023

Period 2

Looks like Labanc has been shuffled back to top line, now Bonino with Sturm and Gregor. Ultimately — and Bonino does good little things that makes it justifiable to play him anywhere for a stint — it’s for the best, I think.

7 in: San Jose Sharks much more on their toes to start, but Vegas starting to counter. However, Barabanov impressively backchecks and pickpockets Eichel from behind when it looks like the speedster is going to be all alone, then MacDonald cuts off Cotter. MacDonald has good feet.

Really impressed by that Barabanov defensive play though. Determined and strong. Why does he play over a Labanc, similar productivity? Some of that stuff, he plays an underrated strong game.

9 in: Solid entry and cycle for Sturm line. Sharks starting to grind.

9 left: VGK gets first shot of period, Sharks have been good. But Hertl to the box.

6 left: Quiet second, but another big save by Kahkonen, pad out.

Barabanov goal: Eyssimont beats Pietrangelo to the puck to keep it alive, that’s impressive. Then Barabanov slides off Martinez in front, gets the rebound.

2 left: Another poor Gregor penalty. Lorentz on kill bodies off Smith up high, great PK effort.

However, VGK 5-4 Slot Shots at Even Strength (they got a lot on PP in 1st), that’s through 40, so San Jose Sharks have managed to be competitive there.

Period 3

1 in: Whoa Lorentz plays with fire, skates out on PK then turns around into DZ with puck. Sharks manage to force it out.

3 in: Bad EK65 pass, Karlsson does skate back to bother Marchessault cross pass to Cotter, slow pass so Kahkonen can get in front of royal road bid.

4 in: EK65 comes back hard on Howden.

Cotter goal: That’s a shame, Kahkonen has been so good tonight, but he probably wants that back. VGK 2-on-1, MacDonald can’t handle Karlsson slot pass, Hertl falls. Karlsson does good job to force the shot and take away the pass.

7 in: Unforced Ferraro NZ turnover, Amadio breakaway, Kahkonen cool and calm.

9 in: Stephenson one-timer on PP, but Kahkonen comes across! 7-for-7 on kill. Great save on Karlsson, William edition there too.

WHAT A SEQUENCE BY KAAPO KAHKONEN!!! pic.twitter.com/rfEiro2RUl

— JD Young (@MyFryHole) February 17, 2023

5 left: Kahkonen waits out Theodore, another big stop.

Again?