Flyers get past Sharks for 7th straight road win

Posted on March 22, 2026 by Shellie Lima

SAN JOSE — Christian Dvorak scored the go-ahead goal and had an assist for the Philadelphia Flyers, who won their seventh straight road game by defeating the San Jose Sharks 4-1 at SAP Center on Saturday.

Sharks goalie Alex Nedeljkovic stops a shot by Rasmus Ristolainen (55) – Photo by Jack Lima

Dvorak gave Philadelphia a 2-1 lead on the power play at 1:47 of the third period. Travis Konecny found Dvorak in the right face-off circle with a pass from the left wing, and his wrist shot beat Alex Nedeljkovic to the blocker side.

“We had good looks. That’s what matters,” Dvorak said. “Can’t get frustrated and got to stick with it. (Konecny) made a nice play and luckily I put it in.”

Owen Tippett, Travis Sanheim, and Noah Cates also scored for the Flyers (34-23-12), who have won three in a row and are 5-0-1 in their past six. Dan Vladar made 24 saves.

Sharks goalie Alex Nedeljkovic covers the puck as Flyer Trevor Zegras (46) looks for a rebound – Photo by Jack Lima

Philadelphia pulled within four points of the Detroit Red Wings for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference.

“I think these guys are trying to build an identity. There’s some good stuff here, and they are doing a good job,” Flyers coach Rick Tocchet said. “We’re blocking out the outside noise, and we’re being positive in here. It’s showing on the ice.”

Dmitry Orlov scored for the Sharks (32-30-6), who have lost four straight. Nedeljkovic made 24 saves, and Macklin Celebrini had an assist.

San Jose is three points behind the Nashville Predators for the second wild card from the Western Conference.

Sharks forward Adam Gaudette (81) wins a faceoff against Flyer Christian Dvorak (22) – Photo by Jack Lima

“It’s not so much someone, we just need more guys going. We need more guys going throughout our games,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “With this time of year, you need your full bench going. You’ve got to fight for every inch.”

Tippett put the Flyers in front 1-0 at 2:26 of the second period. Trevor Zegras’ pass deflected off Nick Leddy at the left point, and Tippett toe-dragged around the Sharks defenseman before putting a wrist shot by Nedeljkovic’s glove.

“I like where my game is at right now. Consistent all the way through, contributing,” Tippett said. “It is easy to do when everyone is doing it around you, too.”

Flyers Trevor Zegras (left) celebrates the Flyers go-ahead goal by Christian Dvorak (not pictured) – Photo by Jack Lima

Orlov tied the game 1-1 with a power-play goal at 13:12. He scored from between the circles with a one-timer off William Eklund’s pass from the goal line at the left of the net.

“Obviously not the result we wanted,” Sharks forward Barclay Goodrow said. “A lot of fight and desperation late in the third. It’s something we need to do for a full 60 (minutes).”

After Dvorak made it 2-1, Sanheim picked off a Celebrini cross-ice pass and scored into an empty net to push the lead to 3-1 at 18:48 of the third.

Cates also scored into an empty net at 19:24 for the 4-1 final.

Flyers Owen Tippett (74) takes a shot on goal during third period action – Photo by Jack Lima

NOTES: The Flyers tied the longest road winning streak by any team this season, following the Tampa Bay Lightning (Dec. 27-Jan. 13) and Boston Bruins (Dec. 9-31). … Celebrini (96 points; 35 goals, 61 assists) passed Bryan Trottier (95 points; 32 goals, 63 assists in 1975-76) for the seventh-highest point total in a season by a teenager. Celebrini also tied Joe Thornton (2007-08) for the third-highest single-season point total in San Jose history. … Sharks forward Ryan Reaves did not play after the first period due to a left-hand injury but remained on the bench for the remainder of the game. Warsofsky did not have an update on him.

Flyers Owen Tippett (74) spins away from Sharks defenseman Sam Dickinson (6) – Photo by Jack Lima

Flyers Owen Tippett (74) moves the puck around Sharks defenseman John Klingberg (3) – Photo by Jack Lima

Flyers Owen Tippett (74) celebrates his second period goal with teammates Nikita Grebenkin (29) and Trevor Zegras (46) – Photo by Jack Lima

Flyers Nikita Grebenkin (29) looks for the puck after a shot on net – Photo by Jack Lima

Flyers goalie Dan Vladar makes a kick save – Photo by Jack Lima

Flyers Garrett Wilson (10) throws a punch at Sharks Ryan Reaves (75) during first period action – Photo by Jack Lima

Flyers center Christian Dvorak (22) tips a shot that Sharks goalie Alex Nedeljkovic blocks – Photo by Jack Lima

story by Max Miller / NHL.com Independent Correspondent

Photos by Jack.lima@prohockeynews.com

Sabres shut out Sharks 3rd straight win

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Shellie Lima

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Alex Lyon made 23 saves for his 10th straight road win, and the Buffalo Sabres scored three goals in the second period en route to their second straight shutout win, 5-0 against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on Thursday.

The Sabres also defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 2-0 on Tuesday behind 29 saves from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

Sharks forward Collin Graf (51) battles Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (4) for position in front of the net – Photo by Jack Lima

Lyon became the fifth goaltender in NHL history to record a 10-game road winning streak, joining Devan Dubnyk (11 games in 2014-15) and Evgeni Nabokov (11 games in 2009-10 and 10 games in 2007-08), Kevin Lankinen (10 games in 2024-25) and Carey Price (10 games in 2014-15).

Sam Carrick scored twice, and Rasmus Dahlin had a goal and an assist for the Sabres (43-20-6), who have won three straight and 11 of 12. Lyon earned his third shutout of the season and his seventh in the NHL.

Alex Nedeljkovic made 11 saves for the Sharks (32-29-6), who have lost three in a row.

The Sabres scored three times in a 1:43 span in the second period to take a three-goal lead.

Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro (38) looks to make a pass around Sabre Ryan McLeod (71) – Photo by Jack Lima

Ostlund made it 1-0 at 9:05. The rebound from Josh Doan’s shot bounced off the end boards in front to Ostlund, who put the puck in off Nedeljkovic from a sharp angle.

Carrick pushed the lead to 2-0 at 9:41 when he buried a wrist shot from above the right face-off circle into the top left corner off a drop pass from Dahlin.

Dahlin extended it to 3-0 at 10:48. Jason Zucker shielded a defender as he broke into the zone and sent a cross-crease pass for Dahlin to tap in past Nedeljkovic’s right pad.

Thompson made it 4-0 just 40 seconds into the third period with a wrist shot from the right circle that squeaked under the right arm of Nedeljkovic.

Sharks center Michael Misa (77) moves the puck around the net as Logan Stanley (26) defends – Photo by Jack Lima

Carrick scored his second goal of the game at 16:54 to secure the 5-0 final. Logan Stanley’s shot from the left point caught a piece of Carrick before deflecting into the net off the skate of Sharks defenseman Dmitry Orlov.

Carrick had previously scored at least twice in a game two times in his career, most recently on Nov. 5, 2023, as a member of the Anaheim Ducks.

By Max Miller – NHL.com Independent Correspondent

Photos by Jack.Lima@prohockeynews.com

Sharks center Michael Misa (77) makes a pass between Sabres defenders Ryan McLeod (71) and Zach Metsa (73) – Photo by Jack Lima

Sabres goalie Alex Lyons stops a shot as Sharks forward Pavol Regenda (84) attempts to provide a screen – Photo by Jack Lima

Sabres forward Sam Carrick (10) celebrates with teammate Rasmus Dahlin (26) after his second period goal – Photo by Jack Lima

Sabres forward Zach Benson skates the puck up ice during first period action – Photo by Jack Lima

Sabres goalie Alex Lyon stops a shot on net as Collin Graf (51) and Bowen Byram (4) look for the rebound – Photo by Jack Lima

Sabres goalie Alex Lyon stops a shot that Tyler Toffoli (73) tipped on net – Photo by Jack Lima

Sabres goalie Alex Lyons blocks a backhanded shot by Sharks forward Kiefer Sherwood as Rasmus Dahlin (26) defends – Photo by Jack Lima

Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) moves the puck away from Pavol Regenda (84) – Photo by Jack Lima

Sabres center Noah Ostlund (86) opens the scoring as his shot beats Sharks goalie Alex Nedeljkovic – Photo by Jack Lima

Linesperson Kiel Murchison jumps to avoid a pass by Barclay Goodrow (right) – Photo by Jack Lima

Horvat scores in OT to lift Islanders past Sharks

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Shellie Lima

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Bo Horvat scored at 4:20 of overtime to give the New York Islanders a 2-1 win against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on Saturday.

Horvat took a pass from Matthew Schaefer and got behind the defense before making a backhand move and sliding the puck through the five-hole of Yaroslav Askarov.

Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov waits for his mask to be repaired after making a stop during third period action – Photo by Jack Lima

“We had a really good first period. Ilya (Sorokin) made some really good saves,” Islanders coach Patrick Roy said. “That was a big overtime goal by Bo and a great play by Schaefer to give us that breakaway.”

Tony DeAngelo also scored for New York (36-23-5), which lost its previous two games. Sorokin made 30 saves.

“I thought we played a solid game all around,” Islanders forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau said. “Both goalies were really good. A lot of blocked shots from the guys. A lot of sacrifice. We finished with the extra point, so it was huge.”

Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov makes a save as Sharks defenseman John Klingberg (3) ties up Islander forward Matthew Barzel (13) – Photo by Jack Lima

Macklin Celebrini scored for the third straight game for San Jose (30-25-6), which is 3-0-2 in its past five games. Askarov made 32 saves.

“Some things we did well, and it’s a tough game out there. You’ve got to fight for ice,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “That’s a good team there. They defend really hard [and] obviously got us in a back-to-back as well. So, you know, I thought our guys grinded.”

DeAngelo gave New York a 1-0 lead at 11:37 of the first period. He skated from the point to the top of the right face-off circle, and his wrist shot deflected off Askarov’s glove and in.

Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov blocks a shot in heavy traffic in front of the net during second period action – Photo by Jack Lima

“They are massive points,” DeAngelo said. “Huge for us. Just controlling the puck, we’re not giving up too much. Really good job.”

Celebrini tied it 1-1 just 33 seconds into the second period. John Klingberg found Will Smith in the left corner, who then found Celebrini in the slot, and his wrist shot beat Sorokin over the glove.

“Just got to keep playing,” Celebrini said. “Couple tough losses last two games, and right there, I think we just need to capitalize on our chances.”

Sharks forward William Eklund skates the puck up ice – Photo by Jack Lima

Brayden Schenn had one shot on goal in 17:26 in his Islanders debut after being acquired from the St. Louis Blues on Friday.

“Played a really good game,” Roy said. “Had a really solid start. I was very happy with his game. I’m sure for him 10 years in St. Louis, I know it’s not his first trade, I thought that he played really well in that circumstance.”

NOTES: The Islanders became the second team in NHL history to win each of their first nine or more games decided in overtime to start a season, joining the Vegas Golden Knights (9-0 in 2020-21). … Schaefer’s assist on Horvat’s goal was his fourth overtime point of the season, passing Rasmus Dahlin and Cam Fowler (each with three) for the most overtime points by a teenage defenseman in NHL history. Schaefer is tied with five others for third most among all teenagers behind only Celebrini (nine) and Andrei Svechnikov (five).

Sharks forward Maklin Celebrini (center) celebrates his thirty-second goal of the season with teammates John Klingberg (3) and Will Smith (2) – Photo by Jack Lima

Sharks forward Adam Gaudette (81) attempts to tip the puck past Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin – Photo by Jack Lima

Sharks center Will Smith makes a pass up ice – Photo by Jack Lima

Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin stops a shot from Collin Graf (51) – Photo by Jack Lima

Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin makes a blocker save as Sharks Michael Misa (77) and Islanders Carson Soucy (4) look for the rebound – Photo by Jack Lima

Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) dives to block a shot by Tyler Toffoli (73) in front of goalie Ilya Sorokin – Photo by Jack Lima

Islanders defenseman Marc Gatcomd skates the puck up ice – Photo by Jack Lima

Islanders center Bo Horvat (right) scores the overtime winning goal past Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov – Photo by Jack Lima

Islanders captain Anders Lee (27) looks to tip a shot past Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov – Photo by Jack Lima

Bo Horvat (center) celebrates his game winning goal with teammates Matthew Schaefer (48) and Simon Holmstrom (92) – Photo by Jack Lima

Thomas scores 2nd goal in OT, Blues recover to defeat Sharks

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Shellie Lima

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Robert Thomas scored his second goal of the game 54 seconds into overtime, and the St. Louis Blues defeated the San Jose Sharks 3-2 at SAP Center on Friday for their third straight win.

Thomas won it when Philip Broberg’s shot from the point bounced off the crossbar behind goalie Alex Nedeljkovic, off Thomas’ skate, and in.

“We found a way to win again. Two games in a row with tough days for our group, and we won both of them,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said.

Jimmy Snuggerud had a goal and an assist for the Blues (24-29-9), who traded captain Brayden Schenn to the New York Islanders and defenseman Justin Faulk to the Detroit Red Wings before the NHL Trade Deadline on Friday. Jordan Binnington made 23 saves.

“It was a really hard morning. That’s a position we put ourselves in. That’s the business. I just want to thank Schenn and Faulk for what they did for me and a lot of guys in this locker room. They laid out every day what it means to be a Blue,” Blues forward Jake Neighbours said.

Macklin Celebrini and Kiefer Sherwood each scored for the second straight game for the Sharks (30-25-5), whose three-game winning streak ended. Nedeljkovic made 11 saves.

“We didn’t have our best tonight. Couldn’t make a play, too many odd-man rushes. Yeah, we just weren’t good enough tonight,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said.

Sherwood tied the game 2-2 at 13:26 of the third period. Philipp Kurashev had the puck behind the net and sent a pass to the left of the goal, and Sherwood’s one-timer beat Binnington through his blocker.

“I just tried to get open. Really good poise by [Collin Graf] and [Kurashev], just to kind of work them low and just try to get lost. It was a great play,” Sherwood said.

Snuggerud put the Blues up 1-0 at 6:55 of the first period. Cam Fowler passed to the left slot, and Snuggerud’s spinning wrist shot beat Nedeljkovic through the five-hole.

Celebrini tied the game 1-1 at 14:31 of the second period. Celebrini took the puck on the right wing from Dmitry Orlov and fired a wrist shot that beat Binnington’s blocker.

Thomas gave the Blues a 2-1 lead at 17:46. Snuggerud fed a pass from the left of the net to Thomas in the slot, and his one-timer beat Nedeljkovic by the blocker.

“Feels good. Between the tough day it was today and the three wins, it aligns our team and brings energy to the room,” Snuggerud said.

NOTES: Celebrini recorded his 88th point (31 goals, 57 assists in 60 games) and tied Pierre Turgeon (1988-89: 88 points in 80 games) for the 10th-most points in a season by a teenager in NHL history. … His 31 goals are tied with Steve Yzerman (1983-84) and Wendel Clark (1985-86) for the ninth-most by a teenager through 60 games in a season in NHL history. The list is topped by Jimmy Carson, who had 40 in 1987-88.

Sharks recover late after blowing 3-goal lead to Canadiens

Posted on March 4, 2026 by Shellie Lima

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Macklin Celebrini scored his 30th goal of the season and had three assists for the San Jose Sharks, who recovered late after blowing a three-goal lead in the third period to defeat the Montreal Canadiens 7-5 at SAP Center on Tuesday.

Sharks center Macklin Celebrini takes a shot on goal which resulted in a goal – Photo by Jack Lima

Will Smith, Kiefer Sherwood and Collin Graf each had a goal and an assist for the Sharks (30-25-4), who have won three in a row. Michael Misa scored for the third straight game, and Yaroslav Askarov made 32 saves.

“Like we’ve said all year, we’ve learned lessons along the way. You go up 5-2, and you probably come off the gas just for a little bit, and a skilled team like that will make you pay,” San Jose coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “I liked the resiliency of our group to just keep playing and get back to competing.”

Sharks forward Adam Gaudette (right) collides with Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes and draws a goalie interference penalty – Photo by Jack Lima

Alex Newhook scored two goals, and Mike Matheson had three assists for the Canadiens (33-18-9), who had their seven-game point streak end (5-0-2). Jake Evans had two assists, and Jakub Dobes made 21 saves.

“We’re going to talk about this game the same way we talk about every game,” Montreal coach Martin St. Louis said. “We got to look at it and be mature.”

Ivan Demidov’s one-timer on the power-play cut it to 5-3 at 5:02 of the third period, and Newhook made it a one-goal game just 18 seconds later with a wrist shot from the slot that went off Askarov’s glove.

Sharks forward William Eklund looks to make a pass – Photo by Jack Lima

Newhook then tied the game 5-5 at 10:56, converting a rebound along the goal line with a shot that went in off Askarov’s skate.

“I think we gave up too much quality stuff,” Newhook said. “I thought we showed some character to come back and give ourselves a shot.”

However, Sherwood responded during a power play to put the Sharks back in front 6-5 at 16:34. Dobes went to his right for a save, and he could not recover when Philipp Kurashev passed the rebound to Sherwood on the opposite side for his first goal since being traded to the Sharks by the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 19.

Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) skates the puck up ice – Photo by Jack Lima

“That was a pretty high IQ play. Everyone sold out thinking that he was going to shoot it, and I thought he was going to shoot it, too,” Sherwood said. “Then when it ended up on my stick, I was kind of, so just put it in. A lot of guys are finding ways to chip in.”

Adam Gaudette scored an empty-net goal at 19:56 for the 7-5 final.

Oliver Kapanen gave the Canadiens a 1-0 lead at 6:18 of the first period with a wrist shot from the left circle that was deflected by Sharks defenseman John Klingberg.

Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) fights for the puck with Canadiens forward Jake Evans – Photo by Jack Lima

Graf tied the game 1-1 at 15:32 with a backhand tap-in at the left post off a pass from Smith.

“He’s just a really, really smart player. I’ve said a number of times. The way he thinks the game,” Celebrini said of Graf. “His stick, he has such a great stick, turning over pucks and just making those little plays that maybe you guys don’t even notice. He’s just a great player and really smart.”

Phillip Danault gave the Canadiens a 2-1 lead at 5:09 of the second period, deflecting Matheson’s shot from the left point.

Misa tied the game 2-2 at 10:28, scoring from the slot on a loose puck after Dobes tried to poke away the rebound of Tyler Toffoli’s shot.

Sharks center Macklin Celebrini makes a pass during third period action – Photo by Jack Lima

Celebrini gave the Sharks a 3-2 lead at 18:23 with a wrist shot from the top of the left circle that beat Dobes through the five-hole.

Alexander Wennberg put the Sharks up 4-2 just 25 seconds later with a wrist shot from the slot at 18:48.

“A couple turnovers cost us tonight,” Canadiens forward Josh Anderson said. “We battled back as a team. Look at a few things the next few days and get back to work.”

The Sharks went up 5-2 on a power-play goal from Smith, who tapped in Celebrini’s pass from the right circle at the left post at 3:29 of the third period.

Michael Misa (left) scores a goal past Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes – Photo by Jack Lima

NOTES: Celebrini recorded his fifth career game with at least four points, passing Jimmy Carson (four) for the fourth-most by a teenager in League history, behind Wayne Gretzky (14), Crosby (eight) and Dale Hawerchuk (seven).

By Max Miller/ NHL.com Independent Correspondent

Michael Misa celebrates his second period goal – Photo by Jack Lima

Michael Misa (left) and William Eklund (72) celebrate Kiefer Sherwood’s (44) go ahead goal in the third period – Photo by Jack Lima

Linesperson Trent Knorr separates Mario Ferraro (38) and Jayden Struble (47) during third period action – Photo by Jack Lima

Kiefer Sherwood (44) celebrates his third period goal with teammates – Photo by Jack Lima

Josh Anderson (left) punches Keifer Sherwood (right) and draws a roughing penalty – Photo by Jack Lima

Canadiens players Mike Matheson (8) and Kirby Dach (77) rough up Adam Gaudette (81) after a stoppage of play – Photo by Jack Lima

Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes – Photo by Jack Lima

Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes makes a toe save on a shot by Sharks forward Colin Graf (51) – Photo by Jack Lima

Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes makes a glove save as Adam Gaudette (81) looks for a rebound – Photo by Jack Lima

Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes attempts to poke the puck away from William Eklund (72) – Photo by Jack Lima

Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson moves the puck up ice – Photo by Jack Lima

Photos by Jack.Lima@prohockeynews.com

Celebrini scores twice for Sharks in win against Rangers

Posted on January 24, 2026 by Shellie Lima

SAN JOSE — Macklin Celebrini scored two goals, and the San Jose Sharks defeated the New York Rangers 3-1 at SAP Center on Friday.

“More maturity in our game in the third, I liked that,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “We played with some better winning habits in the third. Not so much in the second half of that second period. We weren’t very good as far as our details with the puck [and] without the puck, so I’m glad we kind of locked it in there.”

Pavol Regenda also scored for the Sharks (26-21-3), who are 3-2-0 in their past five games. Will Smith and Collin Graf each had two assists, and Alex Nedeljkovic made 28 saves to win his fifth straight start.

Sam Carrick scored the only goal for the Rangers (21-25-6), who have lost three straight and eight of their past nine games (1-7-1). Spencer Martin made 28 saves.

“You can’t start a game like that,” Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said after New York gave up three goals in the first eight minutes. “Spot a team a couple of goals and then take seven penalties along the way, and think you’re going to give yourself the best chance to win. It’s just not a recipe for success.”

Celebrini put the Sharks ahead 1-0 1:09 into the first period with a power-play goal. Tyler Toffoli had the puck on the goal line to the right of Martin, and his cross-crease pass deflected off Celebrini’s skate and into the net.

“I think we’ve been frustrated with how our power play has been going,” Celebrini said. “We want it to be a difference maker for our group and help our group win games, and we haven’t really done that the last couple of games.”

Regenda pushed it to 2-0 with another power-play goal at 3:08. Michael Misa, while tied up on the left boards, found Regenda wide open in the slot, and his backhand shot went over Martin’s blocker.

“I was really surprised,” Regenda said. “Sometimes it’s better when you just close your eyes and just put it there. We had a couple of drills yesterday, I felt pretty good, so I was like, OK, I’ll go try, and it worked out.”

Celebrini scored his second goal to make it 3-0 at 7:37. Graf bumped a pass down the left boards to Smith, and his backhand pass found Celebrini in the slot for a one-timer.

“I kind of peeked right before Graf passed me that,” Smith said. “He was kind of far away, so I just used my intuition. I thought he was there.”

Carrick scored for the Rangers to make it 3-1 at 12:50. After a puck rebounded in front of Nedeljkovic, Carrick spun around and got the puck through the five-hole and in.

“Weren’t quite ready to play. You feel like you are, but they come out flying,” Rangers forward J.T. Miller said. “They draw two penalties. They capitalize. The building was rocking. I don’t know, we just kind of beat ourselves.”

NOTES: The Sharks’ 26 wins are their most through 50 games of a season since 2018-19 (28). … Celebrini recorded his seventh career multigoal period, passing Devin Setoguchi (six) and Brent Burns (six) for sole possession of the eighth most in franchise history. … Celebrini (19 years, 224 days) opened the scoring and became the second-youngest active player to reach 50 career goals behind only Sidney Crosby (19 years, 120 days).