The San Jose Sharks wrapped up their final preseason home game with a narrow 3-2 shootout loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night. Despite the result, the Sharks were buoyed by a stellar performance from goaltender Vitek Vanecek, who turned away 40 of 42 shots during regulation and overtime. Vanecek, recently back from injury after being acquired at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, played his first full game for the Sharks and saved 2 of 3 shots in the shootout.
The game remained scoreless through the first period, but the Sharks struck early in the second frame. Klim Kostin opened the scoring on a power-play goal just 53 seconds in, with rookie Will Smith picking up his first point of the preseason with an assist. Smith, gearing up for his first professional season, has continued to show improvement throughout camp.
Anaheim quickly answered back at 7:54 of the second period with an even-strength goal from Frank Vatrano. The Ducks then took the lead early in the third period when Cutter Gauthier—Smith’s former college teammate—found the back of the net at 3:02.
The Sharks fought back late in the third period, tying the game with a goal from Henry Thrun at 16:06. Thrun was active throughout the overtime period, creating several offensive chances, though the Sharks were unable to capitalize. The game was ultimately decided in a shootout, with Gauthier scoring the lone goal in the third round to secure the Ducks’ victory.
Despite the loss, the Sharks’ younger players, including Danil Gushchin and Ethan Cardwell, provided energy and were consistently dangerous on the ice, offering hope for the future of the team.
The Sharks now turn their attention to the start of the 2024-25 regular season, where they will play back-to-back home games at SAP Center. They’ll open against the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, October 10, followed by a highly anticipated rematch with the Ducks on Saturday, October 12 during the annual Los Tiburones Night, celebrating Hispanic Heritage.
