Hertl, Sharks rally past Rangers for OT win

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Tomas Hertl scored at 1:29 of overtime for the San Jose Sharks, who rallied for a 3-2 win against the New York Rangers at SAP Center on Tuesday.

Tomas Hertl celebrates his game winning overtime goal with Jan Rutta (84) – Photos by Jack Lima

Alexander Barabanov spun away from K’Andre Miller in the slot and passed to Jan Rutta, who found Hertl below the right circle for the game-winning goal.

“‘Roots’ and ‘Barbie’ made a great play,” Hertl said. “Huge win for us, and it’s nice to have three (wins) in a row.”

Nico Sturm and Ryan Carpenter scored in the third period, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 29 saves for the Sharks (13-31-4), who were coming off a 4-3 shootout win at the Los Angeles Kings on Monday and are 3-0-1 in their past four games.

Tomas Hertl reacts to his game winning overtime goal – Photos by Jack Lima

“It was a true team effort,” San Jose coach David Quinn said. “Couldn’t be prouder of this team, and I’ve been proud of them on many occasions in a tough season, but no more so than I am tonight.”

Adam Fox had a goal and an assist for the Rangers (29-15-3), who have lost three of their past four and seven of 10 (3-5-2). Igor Shesterkin made 19 saves.

Tomas Hertl (48) scores the game winning overtime goal as his shot hits the back of the net past goalie Igor Shesterkin – Photos by Jack Lima

“We made mistakes in the third period and it cost us,” New York coach Peter Laviolette said. “They were able to tie it up and push it to overtime. That’s disappointing just from that standpoint. We were in a position to win the game going into the third and we didn’t get it done.”

Fox put New York ahead 1-0 at 7:55 of the first period. He jammed in a loose puck from the edge of the crease after Vincent Trocheck‘s backdoor pass was broken up by Kyle Burroughs.

Sharks goalie Mackenzie Blackwood makes a blocker save during second period action – Photos by Jack Lima

Artemi Panarin made it 2-0 at 1:38 of the second period with a shot from above the right circle through traffic.

“I thought we played well,” Trocheck said. “Even in the third period I thought we were playing well. We were getting chances, just didn’t get a bounce here and there.”

Sturm cut it to 2-1 at 2:19 of the third period. Erik Gustafsson tried to bank a pass behind the net to Braden Schneider, but it was intercepted by Sturm, who quickly scored off the skate of Shesterkin.

Sharks defenseman Henry Thrun (3) flips the puck away from Rangers forward Artemi Panarin (10) – Photos by Jack Lima

“He’s a hardworking player and an honest player,” Blackwood said. “It’s great to see him get rewarded like that.”

Carpenter tied it 2-2 at 4:27 with a redirection of Rutta’s one-timer from the right point.

“We stayed right there in the game,” Hertl said. “Sure it was 2-0, but we had some chances and we just had to push a little harder because they have a lot of skill.”

Ryan Carpenter (22) celebrates his third period game tying goal with teammates on the bench – Photos by Jack Lima

NOTES: It was Hertl’s seventh career overtime goal. Only Brent Burns (10), Patrick Marleau (10) and Logan Couture (eight) have more in Sharks history. … Panarin scored his 17th road goal of the season, which is third in the NHL behind Sam Reinhart of the Florida Panthers (19) and Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs (18).

Story by Chelena Goldman / NHL.com Independent Correspondent

Photos by Jack Lima, Jack.Lima@prohockeynews.com

Sharks players stand for the national anthem – Photos by Jack Lima

Sharks goalie Mackenzie Blackwood skates out of the Sharks head during pregame introductions – Photos by Jack Lima

Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin makes a save in the overtime period – Photos by Jack Lima

Rangers Forward Vincent Trocheck looks to make a pass – Photos by Jack Lima

Rangers Forward Vincent Trocheck (16) splits Sharks defenders William Eklund (72) and Logan Couture (39) as he skates up ice – Photos by Jack Lima

Rangers forward Artemi Panarin (right) celebrates his second period goal with teammate Vincent Trocheck (16) – Photos by Jack Lima

Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere (left) attempts to control the puck as Sharks defenseman Calen Addison (33) moves in to apply pressure – Photos by Jack Lima

Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere (left) attempts to control a rebound in front of goalie Mackenzie Blackwood as defenseman Jan Rutta (84) provides support – Photos by Jack Lima