SAN JOSE, California – Erik Karlsson scored twice in regulation and then added the crucial goal in the eighth round of the shootout to lead the San Jose Sharks 4-3 past the Minnesota Wild on Monday night.
“We ask a lot of him,” said coach Bob Boughner. “A game like tonight shows how he can make a difference in a game. He can turn a whole game with his skills. He did that tonight. ”
Karlsson ended a stellar night by ending a streak of nine combined mistakes by both teams when he slapped Cam Talbot down.
Karlsson had his first regular season game by two goals in more than three years, and Radim Simek also scored when the Sharks rebounded from defeats in Arizona. Martin Jones made 22 saves and allowed only two goals in the shootout.
“We all know we weren’t really physically fit this weekend in Arizona,” said Karlsson. “I felt like we did it today, even though it was a sloppy game for both teams. We found a way to take advantage of the opportunities we had. ”
Marcus Johansen, Nick Bonino and Kevin Fiala scored a goal for the Wild, who have lost for the third time in eleven games. Talbot made 36 parades.
The teams exchanged goals in the first half of the third half. Karlsson gave the Sharks a 3-2 lead and Fiala responded after Johansen hit the post.
“It was strong for us to come back in the third game when they crossed the line. It got us going, ”said Johansen. “There is no end to this group. It’s always a good sign. But you won’t win every game. (Talbott) gave us a good game and also in the shootout. It just wasn’t our night. ”
Karlsson last scored several goals in a regular season game for Ottawa against Minnesota on December 19, 2017. He did so in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final for San Jose against St. Louis in 2019.
It took The Wild almost 11 minutes to score a shot on goal but made it after the first 2-1 lead, despite getting off shot 18-7. Johansen beat Jones from high pitch through traffic for the first goal and then Joel Eriksson Ek created a nice second goal to take the lead back after Simek drew it.
Eriksson Ek escaped Nikolai Knyzhov with a pull of the toe, then slid a cross-ice pass to an open Bonino, who tossed him into the open net with 1:00 in the remaining time.
“It was one of the easiest I’ve ever scored,” said Bonino. “It was a nice piece.”
The Sharks made it late in the second when Karlsson ended a 2v1 onslaught on a pass from Evander Kane.
MILESTONE
Shark striker Patrick Marleau overtook Mark Messier and finished in the Games with his 1,757. Place the sole second place. Gordie Howe has the record of 1,767.
INJURY UPDATE
Shark striker Matt Nieto is likely to miss the rest of the week with a lower body injury. Nieto hasn’t played since March 19 and was originally listed as Day in Day but will now miss more time after going to the injured reserve. Jeffrey Viel was called up by the AHL and made his NHL debut. Much received a combat penalty for a fight with Luke Johnson in his first career shift.
NEXT
The teams will play again in San Jose on Wednesday evening.
