Flames fire up an OT win over Sharks

Field Level Media|published: Wed 10th April, 01:35 2024

Apr 9, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing William Eklund (72) scores in the first period against the Calgary Flames at SAP Center at San Jose. credits: David Gonzales-USA TODAY Sports

Andrei Kuzmenko capped a two-point game by scoring the overtime winner to give the visiting Calgary Flames a 3-2 comeback victory over the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday.

Nazem Kadri collected one goal and one assist, while Rasmus Andersson also scored for the Flames (35-37-5, 75 points), who ended a three-game losing skid. Dustin Wolf, who is from nearby Gilroy, Calif., made 20 saves.

After killing a penalty that carried into overtime, the Flames were given a power play midway through the extra period. During a scramble at the edge of the crease, Kuzmenko lifted a loose puck into the cage at 2:58. It was his 18th goal.

Kuzmenko is on a six-game point streak in which he has collected five goals and six assists.

The Flames trailed 2-0 early the second period but dominated play the rest of the way.

Andersson provided life for the Flames with his ninth score of the season at 5:35 of the second period. The defenseman was roaming deep in the offensive zone; after his first shot was blocked, he buried the second chance.

Kadri's power-play goal tied the game at 14:51 of the period. While the Flames were buzzing around the net, the puck came to Kadri in the right circle, and he lifted a top-shelf shot for his 26th tally of the season.

William Eklund and Jacob MacDonald scored for the Sharks (18-51-9, 45 points), who have only two wins in their last 15 games and sit at the bottom of the league standings. Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 38 shots in a strong performance, but it was not enough to hold the lead.

Eklund took advantage of a sluggish Calgary start when he opened the scoring at 7:22. Sprung on an odd-man rush, Fabian Zetterlund sent a pass that created an open chance and Eklund lifted a backhander for his 16th goal of the season.

MacDonald doubled the lead at 2:22 of the second period with his seventh score of the campaign. Mike Hoffman stole the puck in the offensive zone and sent it to MacDonald, who immediately zipped a backhand shot from the slot.

San Jose's Mikael Granlund increased his point streak to nine games, in which he has collected two goals and eight assists.

—Field Level Media