Sharks outplay Ducks but blow another lead for third straight shootout loss (Sharks)

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The San Jose Sharks came up short against the Anaheim Ducks last night, losing 5-4 in a shootout.

Timo Meier did tie the game for San Jose in the second period, taking a pass from Erik Karlsson and beating Anthony Stolarz with a one-timer from a good spot. Then as San Jose continued to outplay the Ducks, Tomas Hertl found Luke Kunin for a tip-in on a power play late in the frame, giving the Sharks a 3-2 lead, as they dominated Anaheim through 40 minutes.

San Jose then extended the lead to two goals midway through the third period, with Tomas Hertl roofing a shot past Stolarz and based on the way the game had gone, it looked like they were in a good spot to take home a win.

However, Mason McTavish capitalized on a breakaway chance with about four minutes left in the third period, cutting the lead back to one. Then with only about 1:30 to go, James Reimer couldn’t manage to cover a puck right in front of him and it got out to Adam Henrique who jammed it in, tying the game and sending it to overtime.

The teams traded some chances in the extra frame, with San Jose giving up a couple good rush chances but James Reimer came up with big saves, and the game continued to a shootout.

The Sharks and Ducks each scored once through the first two rounds and after Nick Bonino converted as the fifth shooter, the pressure was on the Ducks – however, Mason McTavish managed to beat Reimer with a nice move to keep things going. Neither team could then score in the fourth round and then after Timo Meier couldn’t score as San Jose’s fifth shooter, Adam Henrique beat Reimer, giving the Ducks the extra point.

It’s obviously a disappointing outcome for San Jose, after completely outplaying Anaheim through most of the game. They still gave up some good chances throughout the night but deserved a better fate.

That said, yet again, the Sharks surrendered a late goal and it ended up costing them (and it was also one that Reimer just shouldn't be giving up). It marks the fourth time in six games that the Sharks have blown a third period lead and it’s also their third shootout loss in a row.

The positive is that San Jose’s top forwards continue to get back on track, with Tomas Hertl and Timo Meier each scoring a goal and three points. After such a slow start to the year, it’s hugely important to see both contributing.

With the loss, the Sharks fall to 3-8-3 this season. They’ll now have a break until Thursday, when they begin a four-game road trip against the Dallas Stars.

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