SAN JOSE – the Sharks’ Luke Kunin‘s power play goal at 12:48 of the third period snapped a 1-1 tie and send them to a 2-1 win over the visiting Washington Capitals on Monday night.
Sharks forwards Luke Kunin (11) and Justin Bailey (90) look for the rebound in front of goalie Darcy Kuemper as Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) attempts to clear the puck – Photo by Jack Lima
“It wasn’t our best game by any means, but we found a way to win and keep that good feeling going,” Kunin said. “So, hopefully we can build off of some things and keep that good feeling going into the road trip.”
Mackenzie Blackwood made 33 saves in the win.
“We’ve been scratching and clawing here over the past three weeks and I’m really proud of our guys,” San Jose coach David Quinn said. “They’re showing some characteristics that you need if you’re going to have a successful season.”
The Sharks moved to 5-15-2.
San Jose took a 1-0 lead midway through the first period off a strike by Fabian Zetterlund.
“We’re so happy for him, really,” Quinn said of Zetterlund. “He’s such a great kid. He’s a great teammate and he’s got a great attitude. Through our toughest times, the first 11 games, this guy came to the rink every day with a smile on his face and worked hard and tried to bring other people into the fight. He’s got the ability to shoot a puck and score goals. Just really happy for him that he’s getting rewarded.”
The Capitals dropped to 10-6-2.
“It’s a broken record,” Washington coach Spencer Carbery said. “It felt eerily similar to the start of the year. We’re just not able to make that last play or find that last goal to be able to break through.”
Evgeny Kuznetsov was the lone striker for the Caps, his goal at 16:25 of the middle frame to tie the game, 1-1.
“That was a big goal, but unfortunately that wasn’t enough for us,” Kuznetsov said.
Darcy Kuemper made 21 saves in the loss.
“I think there have been a lot of games throughout the year where they are one-goal games and we just can’t seem to find the back of the net,” Washington’s Connor McMichael said. “Tonight, I think we outchanced them pretty heavily. We had a lot of great looks. We just couldn’t put the puck in the net.”
Sharks mascot SJ Sharkie celebrates the Sharks win – Photo by Jack Lima
Ty Emberson (6) and Beck Malenstyn (43) shove each other after a stoppage in play as Luke Kunin (11) provides support to Emberson – Photo by Jack Lima
Sharks forward Fabian Zetterlund (20) skates around Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) – Photo by Jack Lima
Sharks forward Anthony Duclair (10) attempts to tip a shot past goalie Darcy Kuemper – Photo by Jack Lima
Capitals goalie Darcy Kuemper makes a glove save – Photo by Jack Lima
Capitals goalie Darcy Kuemper stops a breakaway shot by Justin Bailey (90) – Photo by Jack Lima
Fabian Zetterlund (20) celebrates his first period goal with teammates – Photo by Jack Lima
Luke Kunin celebrates his third period go ahead goal – Photo by Jack Lima
Sharks defenseman Matt Benning (5) moves the puck away from the net after a stop by goalie Mackenzie Blackwood as Capitals Tom Wilson (43) and Hendrix Lapierre (29) look for a rebound – Photo by Jack Lima
Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin takes a shot on goal during first period action – Photo by Jack Lima
Capitals Aliaksei (21) and Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) check Ty Emberson (6) into the boards as William Eklund (72) looks for the puck – Photo by Jack Lima
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