The San Jose Sharks secured a much-needed win against the Boston Bruins, triumphing 3-1 in an intense matchup at SAP Center on March 23, 2025. This victory marked a turning point for the Sharks, who had previously lost 14 consecutive games in the all-time head-to-head series against the Bruins. Leading the charge were William Eklund, Lucas Carlsson, and Barclay Goodrow, each contributing to the scoreboard.
The evening began with anticipation as the Sharks lined up without some of their key players, yet the newly formed line of Eklund, Macklin Celebrini, and Will Smith was set to ignite some fresh energy. Their line had only seen about 20 minutes of five-on-five gameplay together before this game, according to reports from Sheng Peng. This experiment seemed worthwhile as they immediately generated offensive chances.
During the first period, both teams struggled to capitalize on their power plays, with goaltenders Alexander Georgiev for the Sharks and Joonas Korpisalo for the Bruins standing tall. Georgiev, in particular, made several crucial saves, including a two-on-one opportunity that showcased his quick reflexes. Meanwhile, Sharks’ newcomer Cagnoni, in just his second game, received a secondary assist for Eklund's opening goal, a testament to the young player's impactful presence on the ice.
By early in the second period, the Sharks broke the scoreless deadlock when Eklund scored his 16th goal of the season, burying a cross-ice pass from Celebrini into the net five-hole on Korpisalo at 2:13. Eklund’s swift reaction highlighted his offensive instincts and put San Jose ahead 1-0.
However, the Bruins struck back late in the second period. With just 3:10 left in the frame, Casey Mittelstadt fired a shot from just outside the crease after pouncing on a turnover from Georgiev, leveling the score to 1-1. This equalizer was crucial for Boston, who had been struggling with their recent performance, as the team now faced their fifth consecutive loss. The defeat left the Bruins’ playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
As the final period began, the Sharks understood the weight of the moment. San Jose had been through a tumultuous stretch, with only two wins in their last four games before this one. The urgency to secure a victory was palpable among the Sharks players, especially after allowing the Bruins to tie the game. Just over halfway into the third period, Carlsson made a decisive play. With just 3:23 remaining, he scored the game-winning goal off a slick backhand shot from a Smith attempt, ensuring that the Sharks reclaimed the lead at 2-1, marking Carlsson’s first goal of the season and his return to the NHL after an extended absence. This was an emotional and pivotal moment for the 27-year-old defenseman, who hadn’t played since November 2022.
Upon scoring, the Sharks didn’t have time to relax. Barclay Goodrow sealed the victory just before the end, scoring an empty-netter in the final seconds to finish the game 3-1. Throughout the contest, Sharks goaltender Georgiev was instrumental in preventing further scoring, making a total of 22 saves, solidifying his team's defense when it mattered the most.
Reflecting on the game, Sharks’ coach noted the importance of composure during critical moments, especially after Boston’s equalizer. This victory was a source of relief for the team, who faced questions about their performance and consistency this season.
Additionally, Celebrini’s setup of both Eklund and Carlsson showcased the rookie’s exceptional skills. He became the fastest player in Sharks history to reach 30 career assists, further affirming his status as a key player in the team's future.
In summary, the Sharks’ win not only broke their embarrassing losing streak against the Bruins but also rejuvenated the morale of a struggling team. With key contributions from their young players and a commendable performance from Georgiev, the Sharks look to build on this success moving forward.
