Macklin Celebrini celebrates his Power Play goal vs. Anaheim at SAP Center on April 1, 2026 (Sharks Media)

By Fernando Abarca

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Sharks overcame defensive lapses and delivered a dramatic late comeback to defeat the Anaheim Ducks 4-3 in a thrilling finish at SAP Center.

While defensive breakdowns once again surfaced throughout the night, San Jose responded when it mattered most, showing resilience and composure down the stretch.

Anaheim opened the scoring after a coverage mistake allowed Ryan Poehling to slip behind the defense uncontested and beat goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. The early goal highlighted a recurring issue for the Sharks, but they answered back later in the period to level the game, heading into the first intermission tied.

The second period was marked by strong goaltending from the Ducks, as San Jose applied steady offensive pressure but struggled to convert. Despite controlling possession for stretches, the Sharks were unable to capitalize on their chances. Anaheim took advantage of a cross-ice pass that caught Askarov out of position, reclaiming the lead and shifting momentum.

San Jose came out with urgency in the third period and quickly found an equalizer. Colin Graf recovered a rebound and connected with Will Smith, who set up Macklin Celebrini to tie the game and energize the home crowd.

However, defensive inconsistencies resurfaced once again. A turnover in transition, following an interception by Dmitry Orlov, opened space for Anaheim to strike and regain a 3-2 advantage.

With time winding down, the Sharks refused to fold.

In the final two minutes of regulation, with the net empty and on a 6-on-5 advantage, Macklin Celebrini orchestrated a crucial play that led to the tying goal, bringing San Jose back into contention and igniting the crowd at SAP Center.

Moments later, the comeback was complete.

With only seconds remaining, Alexander Wennberg delivered the game-winning goal, sealing a dramatic 4-3 victory for the Sharks and capping off an electric finish on home ice.

The win marks San Jose’s third consecutive victory, keeping them firmly in the hunt for a Western Conference Wild Card spot in the Stanley Cup Playoff race. The Sharks will look to build on their momentum as they continue their homestand against the Toronto Maple Leafs, aiming to extend their streak and strengthen their postseason push.