The Florida Panthers won 3-2 in overtime over the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night. With the win, Florida now sits six points clear of Tampa Bay in the Atlantic Division. In San Jose, however, it’s the opposite story as with 60 points the Sharks are poised to miss the playoffs.
Game Recap
Prior to the game, San Jose paid tribute to Sharks legend Joe Thornton, who signed with Florida last offseason. As action got underway, Radko Gudas received a holding penalty. San Jose capitalized quickly as roughly a minute later, Couture scored, making it 1-0. Shortly after, Aleksander Barkov was in the box for high-sticking. Rather than a San Jose special teams goal, Florida got one with a shorthanded snipe. After picking up a loose puck, Jonathan Huberdeau ripped the puck top corner to tie the game at one apiece. San Jose would not sit for long as Nicolas Meloche fired back over two minutes later. The first period ended 2-1 in favor of the Sharks.
The second period had zero goals, but the scorekeepers were busy with eight penalties. Florida had one power play from a Jonah Gadjovich roughing penalty. San Jose had three power plays as Mackenzie Weegar was penalized twice, and Sam Bennett once. There were also two pairs of offsetting penalties. Similar to the first period, the Sharks lead on shots 12-9.
The third period began 2-1 in favor of San Jose. This was not the case for long as Frank Vatrano scored three and a half minutes in to tie the game at two. Later, Mason Marchment scored the go-ahead goal for a 3-2 lead. At the risk of a penalty, San Jose challenged for goalie interference. After discussion, Toronto determined the Sharks challenge was correct and the goal was overturned. With eight minutes remaining, the Panthers went on the power play. Despite the advantage, they could not score. Florida dominated the third and outshot San Jose 12-3 but they could not break the 2-2 tie.
1:11 into overtime, Vatrano received a pass from Gustav Forsling at the blue line of the offensive zone. Vatrano let it unload on the puck and ripped a slapshot home for the 3-2 win.
FL Teams Star of the Game
There is no doubt the Star of the Game should be given to Frank Vatrano. Frankie V scored the game equalizer to send the game into overtime. He would not stop there, as he added the game winner in overtime to secure two points for the Panthers. Vatrano did this all in a total of 8:56 of ice time.
Up Next
On Thursday, Florida will be in Sin City for a date with the Vegas Golden Knights. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:30 PM EST.
(Featured image by Tony Avelar/Associated Press)