New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (13) reaches out for the puck against San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl(48) during first period action at the Prudential Center in Newark on Sat Oct 22, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Matthew Harrington

Any boost Thursday’s win over the New York Rangers gave the Sharks was gone by Saturday afternoon. San Jose lost to New Jersey Devils 2-1 at the Prudential center. New Jersey outshot San Jose 36-22, including 20-8 in the pivotal second period. The Sharks Fall to 1-6-0 in the first seven games.

Ygor Sherangovich and Dawson Mercer scored for the Devils, while Kevin Labanc had the lone Sharks tally. Despite the loss, San Jose goalie Kaapo Kähkönen turned in a strong performance in net, making 34 saves on 36 attempts.

Sherangovich opened the scoring in the second period, pickpocketing Marc-Edouard Vlasic before beating Kähkönen one-on-one 13:21 into the second period. Mercer scored on the power play at the 15:43 mark after taking a Nico Hischier pass in the slot, missing on the initial chance but converting on the rebound for the 2-0 lead.

New Jersey also had a goal disallowed after review found Nico Hischier directed the puck into the net with a distinct kicking motion. Labanc breathed new life into the Sharks just 32 seconds later, skating in on the rush and looking pass to Nico Sturm but instead firing the puck on MacKenzie Blackwood for his first goal since November 22nd of last season.

He appeared in only 22 games last season due to injury. Scott Harrington and Oskar Lindblom assisted for their first helpers as Sharks. The Sharks face a surprisingly tough task if they want to split the road trip Sunday. They face the 3-1-0 Philadelphia Flyers who are thriving under new coach John Tortorella despite expectations to the contrary.