Sharks players celebrate win over Florida at SAP Center in San Jose on Oct 1, 2026 (Sharks Media)
By: Fernando Abarca
SAN JOSE, Calif. — In a season opener years in the making, Luca Cagnoni sealed a 4-3 overtime win for the San Jose Sharks, giving the team a strong start in a game where San Jose responded to every challenge on the ice.
The Sharks delivered one of their most memorable season-opening performances in recent years, marking a big night for several players and offering another glimpse of a rebuilding project beginning to take shape as the franchise continues to establish a new identity.
From the early hours, the team received a warm welcome from fans, who had the opportunity to see some of San Jose’s biggest stars, including Will Smith, Michael Misa and Macklin Celebrini, as well as promising young talent such as Ivar Stenberg, who represents part of the franchise’s future.
The night began with an energetic player introduction before the opening puck drop. The game also featured notable debuts and goals, including Mason Marchment, who scored the Sharks’ first goal of the night.
Smith was one of the standout performers, recording two goals and an assist, while Celebrini contributed three assists in the season opener and his first game as the Sharks’ captain.
San Jose extended its lead in the second period. Celebrini forced a turnover in Florida’s defensive zone and led a two-on-one rush alongside Smith. Celebrini drew the defender before setting up Smith, who finished with a shot over the goaltender to give the Sharks a 2-0 lead while shorthanded.
Smith scored again midway through the game on the power play. The forward capitalized on a rebound from Celebrini’s attempt near the net to extend San Jose’s advantage to 3-0.
However, the Panthers responded before the end of the second period. Eetu Luostarinen collected a rebound off Aaron Ekblad’s shot and sent the puck into the net at 17:10, cutting Florida’s deficit to 3-1.
Florida increased its offensive pressure in the third period and managed to tie the game with two goals in a span of just 17 seconds. Luostarinen scored his second goal of the night by deflecting a shot from Dmitry Kulikov at 5:01, while Matthew Tkachuk tied the game 3-3 with a shot that beat San Jose goaltender Yaroslav Askarov.
Despite Florida’s comeback, the Sharks found an opportunity to settle the game in overtime. Smith connected with Cagnoni, who scored the game-winning goal to secure the victory in San Jose’s first game of the season.
With the victory, San Jose opened the season with a win over the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions, while Florida suffered its first loss of the campaign, falling to 1-0-1.
The Sharks will look to build on the momentum in their next game after an opener that featured a three-goal lead, a comeback by their opponents, and an overtime finish.
San Jose returns to action Saturday, Oct. 3, against its Pacific Division rivals, the Los Angeles Kings.
