ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — In a thrilling contest that went down to the wire, Mason McTavish scored the only goal in the shootout, leading the Anaheim Ducks to a 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night. This match showcased the Ducks' resilience as they managed to clinch a win despite a fierce comeback attempt by the Sharks.
Trevor Zegras and Sam Colangelo each contributed a goal and an assist, while Jackson LaCombe also found the back of the net for Anaheim. McTavish, who was pivotal throughout the game, not only scored in the shootout but also recorded three assists in regulation. Lukas Dostal was solid in goal, stopping 28 shots to help the Ducks secure their fourth win in six games.
The Sharks, on the other hand, were looking to snap a losing streak that had seen them drop three straight games. Alexander Wennberg, Shakir Mukhamadullin, and Marc-Edouard Vlasic scored for San Jose, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Ducks' early lead. Alexandar Georgiev, the Sharks' goaltender, made 34 saves but struggled to keep the puck out during critical moments.
The excitement kicked off early in the first period when Zegras opened the scoring just 2:04 into the game. After winning a faceoff, McTavish set up Colangelo, whose shot was deftly redirected by Zegras, catching Georgiev off guard. However, the Sharks quickly responded, tying the game at 1-1 when Mukhamadullin unleashed a long shot from the point that slipped through Dostal's legs at 5:28.
But the Ducks weren't fazed. LaCombe restored Anaheim's lead with a power-play goal at 8:13, firing a wrister through traffic that beat Georgiev on the blocker side. With just 59 seconds left in the first period, Colangelo pounced on a loose puck after Georgiev misplayed a rebound, extending the Ducks' lead to 3-1.
As the game progressed, the Sharks mounted a comeback. Vlasic, playing in his 1,315th regular-season NHL game, scored his first goal of the season at 4:08 of the third period, pulling San Jose within one. The veteran defenseman was a crucial presence on the ice, especially given he had only appeared in 19 games this season.
With the clock winding down, the Sharks found themselves in a precarious position, trailing 3-2. However, Wennberg showed remarkable determination, scoring a one-timer from the right circle while falling to his knees with just 3:14 remaining, tying the game at 3-3 and sending the match into overtime.
In the extra frame, both teams had their chances, but Georgiev stood tall, making 16 saves in the third period alone, which included stopping all three shots he faced in overtime to push the game to a shootout.
During the shootout, McTavish skated in confidently as the Ducks' third shooter. He demonstrated patience, waiting for Georgiev to make a move before sliding the puck between the goalie’s legs to secure the victory for Anaheim. Tyler Toffoli, the Sharks' final shooter, had a chance to extend the shootout but shot wide right, sealing the Ducks' win.
The Ducks' victory not only marked a successful end to their homestand but also completed a three-game season sweep against the Sharks. With this win, Anaheim improved to 33-33-8, totaling 74 points, while San Jose fell to 20-44-10, reaching only 50 points for the season.
As the season nears its conclusion, the Ducks find themselves 14 points out of a playoff spot with just eight games remaining. They are looking to build on this momentum as they prepare to face the Calgary Flames next.
Meanwhile, the Sharks are set to host the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday, April 3, 2025, in hopes of breaking their current losing streak. With the pressure mounting, both teams will need to bring their A-game to stay competitive as the NHL season draws to a close.
This match was a testament to the unpredictability of hockey, where leads can vanish in an instant, and every point counts in the race for playoff positions. Fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters as the stakes continue to rise in the coming weeks.
