Sharks defeat Flyers for 1st win of season, end 11-game skid

Posted on by

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Sharks ended a season-opening 11-game skid with a 2-1 win against the Philadelphia Flyers at SAP Center on Tuesday.

Sharks goalie Mackenzie Blackwood makes a glove save as Flyers forward Owen Tippett (74) attempts to swipe the puck out of his glove

Sharks goalie Mackenzie Blackwood makes a glove save as Flyers forward Owen Tippett (74) attempts to swipe the puck out of his glove – Photo by Jack Lima

Anthony Duclair had a goal and an assist, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 38 saves for the Sharks (1-11-1), who allowed 10 goals in each of their previous two games and were off to the second-worst start in NHL history (the 1943-44 New York Rangers started 0-14 with one tie).

Joel Farabee scored for the Flyers (5-7-1) in the opener of a four-game road trip. Samuel Ersson made 17 saves.

Duclair gave San Jose a 1-0 lead at 1:43 of the first period after Kevin Labanc set him up with a cross-ice pass.

Sharks goalie Mackenzie Blackwood makes a kick save on a shot by Ryan Poehling (25) as defenseman Nikita Okhotiuk (83) looks to control the rebound

Sharks goalie Mackenzie Blackwood makes a kick save on a shot by Ryan Poehling (25) as defenseman Nikita Okhotiuk (83) looks to control the rebound – Photo by Jack Lima

William Eklund made it 2-0 on a power play at 16:18 of the second period when Duclair set him up for a one-timer from the right face-off circle.

Farabee one-timed a feed from Travis Sanheim at 18:51 that a video review determined completely crossed the goal line for the 2-1 final.

Blackwood secured the Sharks’ first win with 15 saves in the third period.

Tomas Hertl hugs goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood after the Sharks win their first game of the season

Tomas Hertl hugs goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood after the Sharks win their first game of the season – Photo by Jack Lima

Sharks forward William Eklund (72) moves to control the puck after a face-off win by Tomas Hertl (48) against Bobby Brink (left)

Sharks forward William Eklund (72) moves to control the puck after a face-off win by Tomas Hertl (48) against Bobby Brink (left) – Photo by Jack Lima

Sharks forward Nico Sturm (7) wins a face-off against Noah Cates (27)

Sharks forward Nico Sturm (7) wins a face-off against Noah Cates (27) – Photo by Jack Lima

Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro (38) pins down Joel Farabee (86)

Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro (38) pins down Joel Farabee (86) – Photo by Jack Lima

Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro (38) checks Travis Konecny (11) behind the net

Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro (38) checks Travis Konecny (11) behind the net – Photo by Jack Lima

Nicolas Deslauriers (left) fights Givani Smith (54) during first period action

Nicolas Deslauriers (left) fights Givani Smith (54) during first period action – Photo by Jack Lima

Mascot SJ Sharkie celebrates the Sharks first win of the season

Mascot SJ Sharkie celebrates the Sharks first win of the season – Photo by Jack Lima

Markus Granlund (64) battles with Owen Tippett (right) for puck possession

Markus Granlund (64) battles with Owen Tippett (right) for puck possession – Photo by Jack Lima

Flyers forward Owen Tippett (74) gets position in front of Sharks goalie Mackenzie Blackwood as Sharks defenseman Nikita Okhotiuk (83) defends

Flyers forward Owen Tippett (74) gets position in front of Sharks goalie Mackenzie Blackwood as Sharks defenseman Nikita Okhotiuk (83) defends – Photo by Jack Lima

Flyers forward Joel Farabee (86) moves in on goal in front of defenseman Jan Rutta (84)

Flyers forward Joel Farabee (86) moves in on goal in front of defenseman Jan Rutta (84) – Photo by Jack Lima

Anthony Duclair (10) celebrates his first period goal with his teammates on the bench

Anthony Duclair (10) celebrates his first period goal with his teammates on the bench – Photo by Jack Lima