The San Jose Sharks were on the road on Saturday evening, as they faced the rebranded Utah Mammoth at the Delta Center. The main headline heading into the game was Macklin Celebrini’s preseason debut. The Sharks got their first power play opportunity early as John Marino was called for tripping just 28 seconds into the game. The Mammoth killed off the penalty, and right as Marino exited the penalty box, a turnover at the blue line allowed him to get behind the defense and create a 2-on-1 opportunity that was denied by Yaroslav Askarov. Immediately afterward at the other end of the ice, Adam Gaudette was able to beat Karel Vejmelka to make it 1-0 in the Sharks’ favor. The Mammoth would tie it up with 12:57 remaining in the first period with a shot from the point by Mikhail Sergachev. The shot trickled past Askarov, and it was certainly one he would’ve wanted back. Vincent Desharnais would be penalized for tripping with 11:33 remaining in the period, giving the Mammoth their first man advantage of the night. 32 seconds later, Utah would take their first lead of the night off the stick of Dylan Guenther. Andrew Agozzino, former member of the San Jose Barracuda, would make it 3-1 after a massive rebound bounced his way, allowing him to put it away. Kailer Yamamoto would add one of his own, moments after winning a corner battle against multiple members of the Sharks, as he found himself in front of the net and slotted it past Askarov, making it 4-1 less than 14 minutes into the game. Ryan Reaves threw a heavy hit on Guenther moments later to the dismay of Mammoth fans. Guenther immediately went off the ice. The Mammoth maintained their 4-1 lead into the first intermission. The Sharks had a great scoring opportunity just moments into the second period, but the Mammoth defense were able to stand tall for the time being. That wouldn’t be the case for long though, as two minutes into the period, Tyler Toffoli’s shot went past Vejmelka, hit the crossbar and slowly rolled into the goal, making it 4-2. Gaudette would find Barclay Goodrow in front of the net, Goodrow tipped it behind Vejmelka, putting the Sharks within a single goal and making it 4-3. Will Smith had a chance minutes later, but was denied by Vejmelka. JJ Peterka was called for slashing with 7:05 remaining in the second period, giving the Sharks power play another opportunity to find an equalizer. They did just that, as moments later, Macklin Celebrini connected with Will Smith to tie the game, 4-4. The Sharks’ duo almost connected for another goal a few minutes later, but Celebrini’s timing on the shot seemed off. Askarov denied Nick Schmaltz late in the period, and it seemed clear that the next goal would be critical as both teams were playing with a little desperation. That goal would have to wait though, as at the end of the second period, it was still a deadlock at 4-4. Desharnais was called for elbowing just seconds into the third period, giving Utah another opportunity on the power play. Schmaltz had a one-timer opportunity during the man advantage but got under the puck, sending it well above the goal. The Sharks would kill off the penalty shortly afterward. Clayton Keller would swing momentum firmly back in favor of the Mammoth with just over 15 minutes remaining in regulation, making it 5-4 with a shot right off of Jack McBain and in. McBain was officially credited with the goal after it bounced off of his throat, however the play was orchestrated by the Mammoth captain. Tyler Toffoli would be called for cross-checking right after the ensuing faceoff, giving Utah another chance to extend their lead. Askarov would be forced to make a few big saves but the Sharks would ultimately kill off the penalty successfully. The speedy winger Brandon Tanev would make it 6-4 for the Mammoth after he got past the Sharks’ defense and created a breakaway. His backhand shot beat Askarov with just under nine minutes remaining, and the game was seemingly put away for the home team. Michael Carcone was called for slashing shortly after the goal, handing the Sharks a late lifeline and an important power play. The Mammoth killed off the penalty and immediately returned to maintaining strong offensive pressure. With a few minutes remaining, the Sharks pulled Askarov. Utah did a great job breaking up zone entries and getting the puck out of their defensive zone, but the Sharks were doing just as well at protecting their empty net. The Mammoth would end up securing the 6-4 victory. After the game, both teams participated in a planned shootout. Kevin Stenlund was the first shooter, but Askarov denied his attempt. Smith was first for the Sharks, and met the same result. Celebrini would be the Sharks’ third shooter, and was the first to score for either team. Peterka responded with a goal of his own. William Eklund was the fifth and final shooter, he scored to win the shootout for the Sharks, 2-1.
