SAN JOSE — The San Jose Sharks have struggled with attendance at SAP Center this season but have still played six games before announced crowds of 17,000 fans or more. The Sharks have now lost all six, with the latest coming in exasperating fashion. Friday night, the Sharks carried a lead into the third period only to give up four unanswered goals – including two in 23 seconds while shorthanded – in a 6-3 loss to Tomas Hertl and the Vegas Golden Knights.
Related Articles Fans were loud and energetic throughout. But on this six-game losing streak, which the Sharks will carry into Saturday’s home game against the Calgary Flames, they’ve held a third-period lead five times and have one point to show for it. “Extremely frustrating,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said.
“I think our fans deserve a lot more than that.” Friday’s crowd of 17,435, the Sharks’ fourth announced sellout in 18 home games so far this season, saw the Sharks take a 3-2 lead into the third period on goals by Shakir Mukhamadullin, Will Smith, and Tyler Toffoli. But it all came apart shortly after the Sharks (11-21-6) began a power play early in the third period.
With the Sharks leading 3-2, Brayden McNabb took a pass from Jack Eichel, entered the San Jose zone, and ripped a shot past goalie Alexandar Georgiev to tie the game at the 1:03 mark of the third period. Just 23 seconds later, the Golden Knights broke out of their own to set up a 2-on-2. After taking a pass from Mark Stone, Eichel sp.