San Jose Sharks left wing Fabian Zetterlund (20) collides with the Winnipeg Jets center Cole Perfetti in the second period at SAP Center in San Jose on Tue Dec 12, 2023 (AP News photo)

Tuesday, December 12th, 2023

By Troy Ewers

San Jose, CA – After three straight games that went to overtime, the latest being a shootout loss in Vegas, the San Jose Sharks face off against the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets come in on a four game winning streak which the boys in teal ended 2-1. 

The first period was a hot start for the Sharks as they put up 11 shots in the first five minutes. Filip Zadina went to the floor and hobbled off the ice and wasn’t seen for the rest of the period. The first goal of the game was the first goal of the season for Justin Bailey and it came from the point and was assisted by Mike Hoffman and Jan Rutta, 1-0 Sharks. Brendan Dillion tied it up with a blue line wrist shot, 1-1. 

A very quiet second period for both teams, but that’s thanks to a great performance from both goalies. Mackenzie Blackwood was on full display and blocked 13 shots in the second period. Two penalties, but both were killed off and the period closed with a 1-1 score. 

In the final period the teams played a conservative game, but finally after 15 minutes into the period the stalemate was ended when a power play goal by William Eklund off a slapshot to make it 2-1 Sharks. The goal was assisted by Mikael Granlund and Anthony Duclair. The Jets emptied the net between 1 or 2 minutes left to try to get a tying goal, but the final buzzer hit and the Sharks won 2-1. 

After this win the Sharks head to Arizona to face the Coyotes on Fri Dec 15th and hopefully can keep the fire burning that they ignited on the road trip before this game and it seems like that fire is still as hot as it can be with this victory over Winnipeg.