Golden Knights’ Power Play Dominates Sharks’ Home Debut in 3-1 Victory

Peter Allen Bak
Peter Allen Bak
4 Min Read
Feb 13, 2021; San Jose, California, USA; The puck stays out while San Jose Sharks center Logan Couture (39) collides with Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) and defenseman Alec Martinez (23) in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Chris Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Marchessault scored the first of three power-play goals for the Vegas Golden Knights, spoiling the San Jose Sharks’ long-awaited home opener with a 3-1 win on Saturday.

Mark Stone and Chandler Stephenson also found the net with the man advantage, as Vegas capitalized on its first three power-play opportunities to secure their fourth win in five games. Marc-Andre Fleury contributed with 24 saves in goal.

“I thought our entries were better, and we kept things simple by moving the puck and getting shots on net,” defenseman Alec Martinez said. “Goals don’t always have to be pretty. You have to get into the tough areas, and that’s what we did.”

Tomas Hertl scored the lone goal for the Sharks, who couldn’t take advantage of their first game at home after starting the season with a 12-game road trip. Martin Jones stopped 23 shots in the net for San Jose.

“I thought we created a few chances but missed the net on some key opportunities,” Sharks defenseman Brent Burns said. “Against a team like that, you must capitalize when you can.”

The Sharks were playing their first home game since March 8, 2020, after local restrictions due to COVID-19 forced them to hold training camp in Arizona and start the season on the road. However, they were unable to mark their return with a victory, thanks to the Golden Knights’ efficient power play.

Marchessault knocked in a rebound in the first period, Stone scored another rebound in the second, and Stephenson’s goal came off a deflection from Alex Tuch’s pass in the third.

“Their power play was the difference,” Sharks coach Bob Boughner said. “We had a few breakdowns. One goal came from a missed assignment, another from a deflection. Nothing too clean, just some quick plays where we got beat.”

DEBOER’S RETURN

This was Vegas coach Peter DeBoer’s first game back in San Jose since being fired by the Sharks in December 2019. DeBoer had guided the Sharks to their only Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2016 and the Western Conference Final in 2019 but was dismissed early last season. Vegas hired him in January 2020 but hadn’t faced his former team until now.

Sharks players acknowledged DeBoer with stick taps and applause when he was shown on the video board.

“These games are always tough when you’re returning to a place with so many memories,” DeBoer said. “It was nice to catch up with people I respect and went through a lot with.”

REKINDLING RIVALRY

The long-standing feud between Vegas forward Ryan Reeves and San Jose forward Evander Kane reignited during the game. After both were sent to the penalty box for coincidental minors in the first period, the two spent much of their time exchanging heated words, made easier by the absence of the glass divider between the penalty boxes due to COVID-19 protocols.

INJURY WOES

Sharks defenseman Radim Simek left the game in the second period after taking two hard hits from Marchessault. He headed to the dressing room and didn’t return due to an upper-body injury. Additionally, defenseman Erik Karlsson exited in the third period with a lower-body injury, but coach Boughner indicated it wasn’t considered serious.

UP NEXT

  • Golden Knights: Host Colorado on Sunday.
  • Sharks: Host Anaheim on Monday night.
Peter Allen Bak is a part-time writer and reporter based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born and raised in Casa Grande, Arizona, Peter played both football and soccer for his high school team. His passion for sports continued into adulthood, where he became an avid fan of the Las Vegas Raiders, Vegas Golden Knights, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Peter graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 2008, where he honed his writing skills and developed a keen interest in sports business. An enthusiastic traveler, Peter enjoys exploring international destinations during his free time. When he's not globetrotting, he can often be found hiking the scenic trails around Las Vegas or testing his strength and agility through bouldering. In recent years, he has also taken up pickleball. In 2012, Peter married his high school sweetheart, Kimberly. The couple has since welcomed three children into their lives: their son Connor, and twin daughters Kiara and Kacey.