Chrona, Mukhamadullin Star in Sharks 2-1 OT Loss to Kings
The San Jose Sharks fell to the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 in overtime, but Magnus Chrona and Shakir Mukhamadullin were terrific.
Dean Tait - Hockey Shots - Chrona, Mukhamadullin Star in Sharks 2-1 OT Loss to KingsThe San Jose Sharks lost 2-1 in overtime to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night.
In his first start in the preseason, Sharks netminder Magnus Chrona was exceptional throughout.
Chrona had 28 saves and did not allow many rebounds. The first four shots that he faced were all caught and held without a rebound.
"It was a perfect start to the game, and I feel like it kind of eased me into it a little bit," Chrona said postgame. "It dropped the nerves and just kind of let me play."
Anthony Duclair put the Kings on the powerplay in overtime with a tripping penalty.
Before the Kings eventually scored, Chrona made three terrific saves.
"Standing on the bench, I don't see any net. He gets to spots and there's a calmness to him. He doesn't get rattled," Sharks head coach David Quinn said. "It can get busy out there for a goalie. A lot going on around the net, and he just stays in his spot, understands where the net is."
Shakir Mukhamadullin has been a star during training camp and the preseason. Quinn has been impressed with him in all phases.
"Yeah, he played very well. You just love his poise," Quinn said. "His size and his range. There's a lot to like about him."
Jan Rutta left the game in the third period due to injury. Due to the defenseman's injury, Mukhamadullin was used more. He led the San Jose Sharks in ice time with 24:37.
Quinn did not have an update on Rutta after the game.
The San Jose Sharks bench boss did say earlier in the week that the AHL is the best place for Mukhamadullin to develop. Although that might be the case, Mukhamadullin is giving his best effort to become an NHL defenseman.
Tomas Hertl scored his second goal of the preseason in the losing effort.
San Jose has an off day tomorrow, but with AHL training camp right around the corner, we could see some roster cuts.
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