Sharks players celebrate after scoring the 1-0 at SAP Center on Dec 20 (AP Photo)

By: Fernando Abarca and Madison Montez

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Sharks (17-16-3) entered the matchup as the stronger team on paper, but the Seattle Kraken (13-14-6) exceeded expectations, closing out the Sharks’ three-game homestand with a victory over their division rival.

1ST PERIOD

The opening period was tightly contested, with both teams trading chances and keeping play balanced through the neutral zone. Each side generated opportunities, but strong defensive structure and steady goaltending kept the game scoreless after 20 minutes. Shots were even, and neither team was able to establish sustained momentum.

2ND PERIOD

The Sharks started off the period with more aggressiveness, more puck battles in the Kraken’s defensive zone. Macklin Celebrini showed sparks of good playmaking, creating chances to score. Seattle’s defense showed what it can do. Kraken struck first, it needed a little coverage and wide open space as Eeli Tolvannen with a wrist shot made it 1-0 with 13.09 remanining in the period.

As expected after the first, the Sharks maintained their rhythm and momentum. At 08:38 in the second, the relief came momentarily for the Teal as Adam Gaudette tied things up, making it 1-1.

Both teams remained very close in shots on goal, and both teams were strong in the goal-tending, but the Sharks intended to push more.

3RD PERIOD

The Teal came out with energy to set the tone again, a mistake by Vince Dunn behind the net in the Kraken side, and a deflected puck, Collin Graf made it 2-1 near the Kraken net. This was going to add fuel for the visitors to find strength and try to make a comeback, as the Kraken scored a minute later. Ryan Evans with a wrist shot tied the game up

Then, another chance for the Kraken to be up in the scoresheet, Ryan Lindgren scores on a wrist shot with 15:35 remaining in the 3rd period to put the visitors up by one.

With a minute left remaining, an empty-netter for the Seattle Kraken by Chandler Stephenson made the the score 4-2 to seal the game.

With this result, the Sharks concluded their homestand with one win over Calgary on Tuesday and back-to-back losses.

Sharks’ action continues on Dec 23 vs. Vegas Golden Knights.