San Jose Sharks Suffer 6-2 Defeat to Seattle Kraken Following Troubling Second Period

The San Jose Sharks faced a tough defeat against the Seattle Kraken, losing 6-2 at Climate Pledge Arena on January 30, 2025. The game turned dramatically during the second period, where the Sharks conceded four goals in just under eight minutes, marking a significant turning point in the match.

First Period Overview

The Sharks started relatively strong, ending the first period tied 1-1. Carl Grundstrom opened the scoring for San Jose late in the period, capitalizing on a fortunate bounce when his attempted pass deflected off Kraken center Shane Wright’s skate and slipped past Seattle goalie Joey Daccord. However, the Sharks’ momentum quickly faded in the subsequent period.

Second Period Collapse

As the second period began, the Sharks struggled to maintain their composure. Just 2 minutes and 54 seconds in, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Brandon Montour scored back-to-back goals, shifting the game’s momentum in favor of the Kraken. Montour’s goal, a direct result of a turnover by San Jose, pushed the score to 3-1.

The Sharks failed to convert on a power play opportunity, and shortly thereafter, Jaden Schwartz added to the Kraken’s tally. He scored on a breakaway right after his tripping penalty expired, marking his 18th goal of the season. At this point, Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky decided to pull rookie goalie Yaroslav Askarov, who allowed four goals on just 11 shots.

Changes in Goal

Alexandar Georgiev replaced Askarov, but the Kraken continued their offensive onslaught. Montour scored again at the 7:52 mark, netting his 10th goal of the season during a 5-on-3 power play, further burying the Sharks in the second period.

Sharks’ Responses

Despite the overwhelming odds, the Sharks managed to score again, with Tyler Toffoli finding the back of the net in the third period, giving him 18 goals this season. However, it was not enough to alter the outcome of the game.

Injuries Impacting the Team

The Sharks were already dealing with several injuries, missing key players like center Alexander Wennberg, who was ruled out due to an upper body injury just before the game. Other injured players included forwards Nico Sturm, Ty Dellandrea, and Klim Kostin, as well as defenseman Jan Rutta.

A Tough Stretch Ahead

This loss marks the Sharks’ seventh defeat in their last eight games, a challenging stretch as they prepare to face the Montreal Canadiens in their next matchup at home. The team will need to regroup quickly to turn their fortunes around and regain their competitive edge on the ice.