The San Jose Sharks secured a 4-3 victory over the struggling Los Angeles Kings in a Monday night showdown, with Fabian Zetterlund making a significant impact. Zetterlund not only opened the scoring in the game but also sealed the victory in a shootout.
Sharks
Contributions from William Eklund and Justin Bailey in regulation propelled the NHL-worst Sharks to their first road win against a Western Conference opponent this season. This victory marked the Sharks’ second consecutive win overall.
Logan Couture and Zetterlund showcased their skills in the shootout, while goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen made an impressive 44 saves and thwarted both Los Angeles shooters in the tiebreaker.
For the Kings, Drew Doughty, Trevor Moore, and Quinton Byfield found the back of the net. However, the Kings continued their struggles, losing 11 of their last 13 games. Goaltender David Rittich made 24 saves, and Byfield contributed with an assist, while Kevin Fiala recorded two assists.
Doughty salvaged a crucial point for the Kings by scoring a power-play slap shot during a 6-on-4 advantage with just 1:58 left in the third period, tying the game at 3-3. Despite the efforts of both teams in overtime, the game was ultimately decided in the shootout.
Zetterlund’s second goal of the game, achieved during a delayed penalty, and Eklund’s contribution, ending a scoring drought since December 12, put the Sharks up 2-0 in the second period. Moore’s goal late in the period gave the Kings momentum.
Byfield leveled the score at 2-2 early in the second, securing his fourth goal in six games. Justin Bailey’s breakaway goal at 6:17 of the third period put the Sharks back in the lead, but Doughty’s late heroics forced the game into a shootout.
Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro left the game after being injured on a hit into the boards by Kings center Trevor Lewis in the second period. Despite attempting to return for the third period, Ferraro quickly went back to the dressing room.
Kings defenseman Matt Roy was a late scratch from the lineup after his wife gave birth to their first child earlier on Monday.
