Erik Karlsson had a goal and three assists, and the San Jose Sharks beat Minnesota 5-2 on Thursday night to snap the Wild's six-game winning streak.
Karlsson scored on a one-timer 44 seconds into the game to extend his points streak to nine games. Noah Gregor, Timo Meier, Kevin Labanc, and Oscar Lindblom also scored for San Jose, and James Reimer made 24 saves.
“He’s unbelievable. He’s playing a video game. It’s really amazing to watch him when he’s on his game," Sharks coach David Quinn said about Karlsson. "He’s special. It’s no mystery why he’s won two Norris Trophies, and I can see more Norris Trophies coming his way.”
Joel Eriksson Ek and Mats Zuccarello scored for Minnesota, and Filip Gustavsson made 20 saves. Wild forward Mason Shaw was assessed a major penalty and ejected for kneeing Sharks forward Evgeny Svechnikov in the second period.
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“I think we played well right from the start," Karlsson said. "Felt like all the guys were engaged and wanting to play a fast game and get open for guys with the puck, and the guys with the puck were making good decisions. I think overall it was just a solid effort from everybody.”
Shaw crossed the ice and stuck out his leg in an attempt to hit Svechnikov. After a quick review, the call on the ice was confirmed. Shaw was assessed a five-minute penalty and a game misconduct. Svechnikov returned to action in the third period, avoiding what looked to be a significant injury.
“That’s my last intent is to take someone’s knee out," Shaw said. "I feel bad because that put our team in a very bad spot, and ultimately, it was a difference in the game, so I’m disappointed in myself.”
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Said Svechnikov: “It happened quick. I just started getting my head up, and I saw the guy. I didn’t know where he was going to go. Unfortunately, not where I wanted. What can I say? It’s tough, and it sucks.”
On the ensuing major power play, Meier converted 35 seconds in to extend his goals streak to four.
“We can debate it. If he’s straight up and takes a hit, there’s probably no call, but when you jump out of the way, you know, you got the opportunity (of) getting hit like you did,” Wild coach Dean Evason said.
Sharks forward Tomas Hertl served the second game of his two-game suspension.
UP NEXT:
Wild: At Winnipeg on Tuesday night.
Sharks: At Vancouver on Tuesday night.
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