Wyatt Johnston illuminates the Stars with two goals in 5-3 victory over San Jose

San Jose Sharks forward Colin Graf (51) scores one of his two goals against the Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) at SAP Center in San Jose on Thu Dec 18, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Lincoln Juarez

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Wyatt Johnston potted two against the Sharks in a 5-3 victory for the Dallas Stars at SAP Center Thursday night. Colin Graf scored two of his own while Macklin Celebrini assisted on both adding to his third-best point total in the NHL.

The Sharks rode a three-game win streak into Thursday night’s matchup against the Dallas Stars, the NHL’s second best team. After a 4-1 loss in Dallas two weeks ago, team teal went into Thursday’s game playing with some new swagger.

San Jose started the tilt with a lot of offensive zone pressure met by the sizable Jake Oettinger in the Dallas crease. Oettinger turned away 12 shots in the first, keeping the Sharks scoreless through the first period.

On the other end of the ice, Alex Nedeljkovic was tested 10 times and beat twice. Roope Hintz got the game’s first at 12:25 of the first period on a nice feed from Mikko Rantanen. It was his 10th of the season to put the Stars ahead. Almost exactly five minutes later at 17:38 of the first, Wyatt Johnston scored his first of two on the night and his 18th of the season to make it 2-0 Dallas.

The Sharks had some high percentage scoring chances but couldn’t get the puck past Oettinger, other than a Zack Ostapchuk deflection that was ruled a high stick upon review.

It wasn’t until 1:43 of the second period that San Jose had an answer on Shakir Mukhamadullin’s second goal of the year. Ty Dellandrea set him up to get the Sharks within one and start the back and forth second period.

Both teams went blow for blow in the middle period as Wyatt Johnston answered right back with his second goal of the game to give the Stars their two-goal lead back.

Later on, Colin Graf scored his first goal of the night and seventh of the season off a sweet pass from Macklin Celebrini off an offensive zone face-off win.

Soon after, Justin Hryckowian made it a 4-2 Stars lead on a disgraceful giveaway by goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic who threw the puck loosely into the slot where Hryckowian took possession and buried it. “I just didn’t execute the play” said Nedeljkovic describing a play he felt confident to make considering he made a similar pass earlier in the game.

Hryckowian’s goal ended up being the game winner as the Sharks couldn’t claw back. Colin Graf added one more to the Sharks effort on the back end of a tik-tac-toe setup by Celebrini and Igor Chernyshov.

Jamie Benn capped off the Stars win with an empty-netter to deflate the Sharks hope of a comeback.

San Jose went 0-for-3 on the power play and couldn’t break the wall that was Jake Oettinger as he turned away 34 of 37 shots he faced.

The Sharks will wrap up the homestand with their last home game before the Christmas break against the Seattle Kraken at SAP Center at 7pm Saturday night.

San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez: Celebrini will test out the Dallas defense at SAP Center Thursday night

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) scores an empty net goal in the third period against the Calgary Flames at SAP Center in San Jose on Tue Dec 16, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez:

#1 Macklin Celebrini has been a driving force for the Sharks, leading the team with 18 goals and 33 assists this season. How will he match up against a strong Stars defense?

#2 With Celebrini as the primary threat, how effectively can William Eklund and Tim Toffoli contribute to keep the pressure on Dallas?

#3 The Sharks have both Yaroslav Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic available in goal. Which one gives San Jose the best chance against Dallas’s scoring depth?

#4 Players like John Klingberg, Dmitry Orlov, Timothy Liljegren, and Shakir Mukhamadullin will be key in shutting down Dallas’s top scorers — how well can they limit chances?

#5 Will special teams play a decisive role for the Sharks against the Stars?

Join Lincoln Juarez Fridays for the Sharks podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast Mary Lisa: Sharks face off with hot Hurricanes Sunday in Raleigh

San Jose Sharks podcast Mary Lisa Sat Dec 6, 2025:

The Dallas Stars Sam Steel (18) takes a shot against the San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) in the third period at American Airlines Center on Fri Dec 5, 2025 (AP News photo)

#1 Given that Collin Graf scored the lone San Jose Sharks goal in the 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars Friday night, what could he — or the coaching staff — have done differently to generate more momentum or follow-up chances after tying the game 1-1 in the second period?

#2 With Yaroslav Askarov stopping 20 of 23 shots but still giving up three third-period goals, was fatigue or defensive breakdown in front of him more to blame — and what does this say about the Sharks’ defensive effort in that final frame?

#3 Considering veteran forward Jeff Skinner returned from injury for this game, did his presence (or performance) make any noticeable difference — and should the Sharks lean more on him offensively going forward?

#4 The Sharks went 0-for-4 on the power play — what could players like Macklin Celebrini or Graf have done better on the man advantage to avoid giving up control to Dallas in transition?

#5 After conceding three unanswered goals in the third period, what lessons should the Sharks draw for their road game strategy — and which players Askarov, defensemen, forwards need to step up to avoid a repeat collapse?

Mary Lisa does the San Jose Sharks podcasts Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Fall 4-1 to Stars, Stars Score 3 in third

Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) celebrates his goal with Vladislav Kolyachonok (44) and Sam Steel (18) as San Jose Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov (30) sits in front of the net in third period at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Fri Dec 5, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks fell 4-1 to the Dallas Stars Friday. Jason Robertson, Sam Steel, Mikko Rantanen and Miro Heiskanen scored for Dallas. Jake Oettinger made 16 saves for the win. Collin Graf scored for San Jose and Yaroslave Askarov made 20 saves in the loss.

The game was tied 1-1 at the half way point of the third, when the Stars jumped ahead and left the Sharks in the metaphorical dust. The Sharks also took a beating in their last game, a 7-1 loss Wednesday to the Washington Capitals. Asked whether Friday’s game was an improvement over that one, Collin Graf said:

“The last game, we just flushed it as a team. We don’t really want to talk about that one. I think today there were some good things. I think I’ve been playing well, I’ve been creating chances. I just got a lucky bounce. Good job from Delly and Ledz and Kursh.”

Asked a similar question, Sharks Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky said: “Anything better than a 7-1 loss is better.”

The first goal of the game came from the Stars’ Jason Robertson on the power play at 14:20. A rebound from Wyatt Johnston’s shot landed in front of Robertson and he used a backhand to put it away. An assist also went to Mikko Rantanen.

The Stars outshot the Sharks 9-3 in the first. The Sharks took two penalties to the Stars’ one.

Collin Graf tied the game at 8:23 of the second period. Philipp Kurashev threw shot the puck into traffic in front of the net. It came back out and Graf tucked it back in. Assists went to Nick Leddy and Kurashev.

The Sharks outshot the Stars 6-4 in the second period. The penalty count was also reversed, with the Sharks taking one and the Stars two. Only one of those created a power play, as Jeff Skinner and Mikko Rantanen had matching slashing minors.

Sam Steel broke the tie at 10:56 of the third. Steel took a shot from in close and the rebound came back to him. Askarov could not find the puck as it slipped by him near the post. Assists went to Alexander Petrovic and Rantanen.

Rantanen added an insurance goal at 16:39. Rantanen gathered the puck beh8nd the net and carried it out, shooting across off the far post. Assists went to Wyatt Johnston and Vladislav Kolyachonok.

At 17:40, Macklin Celebrini put the puck in the net but, as revealed after a coach’s challenge, Kurashev was off side on the play.

Miro Heiskanen made it 4-1 with a shot into an empty net from the Stars zone. An assist went to Roope Hintz.

Dallas outshot San Jose 11-8 in the third. The Stars took two penalties in the third and the Sharks took none.

The Sharks next play in Carolina against the Hurricanes on Sunday at 2:00 PM PT.

San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez: Sharks open five game road trip Friday at Dallas

San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) was pelted with shots on goal by the Washington Capitals at SAP Center in San Jose on Wed Dec 3, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez:

#1 Can William Eklund continue his upward offensive trajectory and help drive the Sharks’ top line against Dallas’ tight defensive structure?

#2 Will John Klingberg’s veteran presence in the middle remain a stabilizing force as San Jose looks to control the pace early in the matchup?

#3 How effectively can Macklin Celebrini create scoring chances off the rush against a Stars team known for quick neutral-zone transitions?

#4 With increasing responsibility on the blue line, can Mario Ferraro help contain Dallas’ heavy forecheck and limit high-danger chances?

#5 After several strong outings, is goalie Yaroslav Askarov poised to give San Jose another solid performance in a tough road environment?

Join Lincoln Juarez for the San Jose Sharks podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast Jessica Kwong: Stars turn up the offense on Oilers; Will Matthews and Roy return to Leafs to help end their losing streak?; plus more NHL news

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) can’t stop the Edmonton Oilers Connor Clattenburg’s (64) shot in the second period for a goal at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Tue Nov 25, 2025 (Canadian Press photo via AP)

NHL podcast Jessica Kwong:

  1. Was Tuesday night’s showdown between Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers a preview of a Western Conference power-race?
  2. Can Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, and Nicolas Roy return in time to help the Toronto Maple Leafs end their skid?
  3. Will the sudden surge of the Utah Hockey Club’s Logan Cooley — coming off a four-goal, five-point night — make him the breakout star of the season?
  4. Are surprise teams like Anaheim Ducks and Buffalo Sabres reshaping the early-season standings more than expected?
  5. Could lineup shakeups and injuries across the league change the playoff-race narrative before December ends?

Join Jessica Kwong does the NHL podcasts every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

NHL Stanley Cup Finals Michael Roberson: Panthers-Oilers rematch it all starts tonight in Edmonton; Oilers Kane key unsung hero

Edmonton Oilers Evander Kane (91) prepares to face off against the Dallas Stars in game 1 of the Western Conference Finals at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Thu May 24, 2025. The Oilers face off against the Florida Panthers Wed Jun 4, 2025 in Edmonton for game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals (AP News photo)

NHL Stanley Cup Finals Michael Roberson:

#1 How much of a key factor has Evander Kane been in the Oilers success in getting to the NHL Finals last year and this year?

#2 Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid on media day was asked if the you had to lose a Stanley Cup Final before you win one. McDavid said last year he would have said no but since they lost the final McDavid said you have to lose before you win one.

#3 McDavid and the Oilers who won the Western Conference finals against the Dallas Stars will rematch against the Florida Panthers in this final.

#4 The Oilers in that last round won the series 4-1 do you see that momentum carrying over into the finals for the Oilers?

#5 Is there any concern the Oilers may have after coming back three games down to tie the series and then to lose it in game 7.

#6 The puck drops tonight in Edmonton for game 1 of the best of seven series how do you see this one the Florida Panthers have been getting great goaltending from Sergei Bobrovsky.

Michael Roberson is a NHL analyst for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast Mary Lisa: Oilers drill Stars 6-3 in game 5 to advance to Finals

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) scores on Dallas Stars goaltender Casey DeSmith (1) and center Roop Hintz (24) in the second period of game 5 of the Western Conference Finals on Thu May 29, 2025 (AP News photo)

NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast Mary Lisa:

#1 The Edmonton Oilers who had pretty much dominated the Stanley Cup Western Conference finals against the Dallas Stars won the series 4-1 with a convincing 6-3 win in Dallas.

#2 Connor McDavid got a crucial goal in the second period and got an assist on 40 year old Corey Perry’s goal as the Oilers head to the NHL Stanley Cup Finals.

#3 The Oilers wrapped up this series in a very neat package doing it in five games and the Stars are no easy customer to beat needless to say in Dallas either.

#4 The Oilers will rematch last season’s final with the Florida Panthers that went seven games. The Panthers who won the first three games of the series, the Oilers came back and tied up the series 3-3 and the Panthers took game 7 to win the Stanley Cup.

#5 The Oilers have home ice for game 1 on Wednesday night in Edmonton. The Panthers took out the Carolina Hurricanes in five games 4-1. Do you see this being another back and forth series last season’s final was really a tough act to follow.

Join Mary Lisa for the NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Mary Lisa: Oilers Skinner stops 25 Dallas shots in 3-0 shutout; Series tied 1-1 goes back to Edmonton

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) and defenceman John Klingberg (36) defend the goal against Dallas Stars centre Tyler Seguin (91) during the third period in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Dallas. The Oilers aim to reset for Game 2 after a 6-3 loss in Game 1. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Mary Lisa:

#1 The Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner stopped 25 shots shutting out the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Western Conference Finals 3-0 at American Airlines Center on Friday night tying the series at 1-1.

#2 The Oilers Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored a goal and picked up an assist. The Oilers got additional help from Brett Kulak and Connor Brown who scored a goal each. Evan Bouchard got two assists for the Oilers.

#3 The Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger saved 22 shots. The Stars had won seven home playoff games in a row before losing Friday’s game 2 in Dallas.

#4 An injury report Roope Hintz of the Stars had to leave the game in the third period and did not return. Hintz got slashed by the stick of the Oilers Darnell Nurse at 3:46. Hintz was helped off the ice and had to have ice put on his leg by the team trainers in the Dallas dressing room. Further Hintz did not put any weight on the leg.

#5 Game 3 up next with the series tied 1-1 going back to Edmonton on Sunday. The Oilers are 4-1-0 so far in the playoffs. With a win for the Stars or the Oilers could put either club up 2-1 in the series.

Join Mary Lisa for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Len Shapiro: Hurricanes advance to next round defeat Caps; Jets live another day defeat Stars force game 6

Washington Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin (8) and teammates are dejected after getting eliminated by the Carolina Hurricane in the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup Eastern semifinals in game 5 at the Capital Center in DC (AP News photo)

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Len Shapiro:

#1 The Carolina Hurricanes eliminated the Washington Capitals with a 3-1 win in game 5 taking the second round series 4-1.

#2 The Hurricanes Jordan Staal scored first and Andre Svechnikov score the go ahead insurance goal as the Hurricanes head to the Eastern Conference final for the second season out of the last three.

#3 The Hurricanes are now 10-5 in elimination games and have made seven post season appearances under head coach Ron Brind’Amour. With the win the Hurricanes could face either Florida or Toronto.

#4 The Winnipeg Jets avoided elimination with a 4-0 shutout over the Dallas Stars. The Jets had home ice the Stars with their backs to the wall down 3-1 but got a some scoring and great defense from their goaltender Connor Hellebuyck who stopped 22 shots to help the Jets cut the series deficit 3-2.

#5 Jets still under pressure as game six will be played in Dallas. The Jets need to win big or go home and the Stars need to win big to advance to the next round. Dallas has home ice are the Jets trapped or confident?

Join Len Shapiro for the NHL podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com