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.
