The San Jose Sharks faced the Calgary Flames on February 23, 2025, at Scotiabank Saddledome, ending with a narrow 3-2 loss. This game was particularly tough for the Sharks, who have now lost 11 of their last 12 matchups, marking their 19th defeat of the season by just one goal.
Things started off positively for the Sharks, with Macklin Celebrini scoring his 18th goal of the season early on. Tyler Toffoli assisted, showcasing their growing chemistry on the ice. The goal was infused with excitement as Celebrini managed to communicate effectively with Toffoli, threading the needle through the Flames' defense.
Despite the strong start, the Flames quickly answered back. Just over three minutes after Celebrini's goal, Nazem Kadri leveled the score at 1-1 with the benefit of a power play. The Sharks struggled to contain the Flames’ offense, as the shot on goal count climbed to 14 against them by the end of the first period.
The second period saw the Flames take the lead for the first time. Kevin Rooney capitalized on clustering near the goal, putting San Jose behind at 2-1. The Sharks fought valiantly, creating several chances. Notable was the breakaway by Eklund, who nearly tied the game before hitting the post.
Heading to the third period, the Sharks made promising plays under pressure. Just past the one-minute mark, Toffoli managed to push the Sharks back to even, netting his 21st goal after maneuvering around several defenders. This moment ignited hope for the visiting team as fans anticipated they could pull off the comeback.
Yet, with 6:32 remaining, disaster struck as Joel Hanley scored the game-winning goal, assisted by Jonathan Huberdeau. Hanley snuck behind the Sharks’ defense during 4-on-4 play, taking advantage of loose coverage, and Georgiev was unable to react quickly enough, placing the Sharks back at 2-3.
During the game, Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky expressed frustrations with the officiation, particularly concerning Ty Dellandrea’s early exit from the game due to concussion protocol after being punched by Flames forward Connor Zary — which went unrecognized by officials. “I don’t understand it. I mean, (Dellandrea) gets sucker-punched to the face, and then he gets called by the spotter,” Warsofsky shared after the game.
Following the loss, Sharks players, including Dellandrea, echoed the unease with the officiation. “Just two guys changing, ran a little interference, and got punched in the head,” he remarked.
Despite mixed feelings about the outcome, Sharks’ players recognized there were glimmers of hope. Warsofsky had alluded to needing the game to build momentum after their break, stating, “This is big. We’ve had really good energy during practice.” The team, though facing their struggles, is working toward improvement as they continue their road trip.
The upcoming matches see the Sharks pitted against some formidable opponents, including the Western Conference-leading Winnipeg Jets. Their showing against the Flames might serve as motivation to right their ship on this lengthy road excursion.
While the Sharks still find themselves at the bottom of the NHL standings with a dismal record of 15-36-7, fans and analysts alike are keeping hope alive for improvement as the season progresses. With additional training and focus on defensive skills, the team aims to transform potential energy from practice sessions to good games on the ice.
It was not the start they needed for their seven-game road trip, but there are signs of encouragement worth considering. Each loss hurts, but as the Sharks move forward, it will be imperative for them to build on their positives and push through this tough stretch of the season.