Alexander Wennberg scores the final goal of the night for the Sharks against the Golden Knights at SAP Center on Jan 11, 2026 (AP Photo)

By Fernando Abarca

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Sharks returned to SAP Center for rare back-to-back weekend games looking to build momentum, but faced a difficult test against the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights to 7-2 loss on Sunday.

Any hopes of an even contest were short-lived, as Vegas struck first off a faceoff. Ivan Barbashev set up Jack Eichel with time and space in the circle, and Eichel beat the goaltender at 7:19 of the first period to open the scoring.

Two minutes later, the Sharks responded. At 9:33, Colin Graf won a puck battle in the Vegas defensive zone, creating a scoring chance that Jeff Skinner set up for Graf to finish to tie the game at 1.

Vegas regained control on the power play. Pavel Dorofeyev scored to make it 2-1, with assists from Mark Stone and Tomas Hertl, with 10:57 remaining in the first period. The Golden Knights carried the one-goal lead into intermission.

The second period proved difficult for San Jose. Vegas scored three times, goals from Jack Eichel, Zach Whitecloud, and Hertl, to build a 5-1 advantage. The Sharks found a late spark when Alexander Wennberg scored at 16:29, cutting the deficit to 5-2 heading into the third period.

The third period was largely uneventful and dominated by the visitors, with the outcome appearing decided before play resumed. The Sharks played passively for much of the final 20 minutes. Penalties provided the few notable moments, as Tyler Toffoli was called for high-sticking and William Eklund for hooking. Vegas added two goals with an empty-net score and another in the final seconds to seal a 7-2 victory.

The result matched a 7-2 loss to Vegas on Dec. 23 and marked another winless showing for the Sharks against the Golden Knights this season.

The Sharks will go on the road to face the Washington Capitals on Tuesday Night.