Sharks Struggle in Preseason Loss to Ducks, Fall 3-2

A depleted San Jose Sharks roster faced a challenging preseason matchup against the Anaheim Ducks on October 2, 2023, suffering a 3-2 defeat at the Honda Center. The Sharks, featuring only a handful of players expected to make the final roster, struggled to recover after allowing three goals in a rapid succession during the second period.

The game took a decisive turn in the second period when the Ducks scored three times within a span of just 2:51. The first goal came from Cutter Gauthier, followed by Radko Gudas, who netted a shorthanded goal at 7:09. Gudas capitalized after the Sharks lost a crucial puck battle behind their own net, extending Anaheim’s lead to 2-0. Frank Vatrano added another goal, putting the Sharks in a difficult position with a 3-0 deficit by the 9:13 mark.

Despite the early setbacks, the Sharks found a glimmer of hope later in the second period. Pavol Regenda, a former Ducks player, scored a power play goal at 13:29, reducing Anaheim’s lead to 3-1. The goal resulted from a shot by defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin, which deflected off Regenda’s skate and past Ducks goalie Ville Husso.

As the game approached its conclusion, the Sharks continued to push for a comeback. Adam Gaudette scored with just 4:01 left in regulation, bringing the score to 3-2. His shot from the slot demonstrated the Sharks’ determination to close the gap. Despite these efforts, the Ducks held firm, with Husso stopping 22 shots to secure the win.

In goal for the Sharks, Jakub Skarek, who joined the team from the New York Islanders this summer, played the first half of the game, making 13 saves. Gabriel Carriere, who split last season between the Barracuda and the ECHL’s Wichita Thunder, took over for the second half, registering 14 saves without conceding a goal.

The Sharks dressed only six players who are likely to appear on the roster for the start of the regular season on October 9, 2023. This group included forwards Ty Dellandrea, Gaudette, and Philipp Kurashev, along with defensemen Vincent Desharnais, Timothy Liljegren, and Mukhamadullin. Several players who participated in this game may soon be assigned to the Barracuda, who will begin their training camp on October 3.

In contrast, the Ducks fielded a stronger lineup, featuring 15 NHL players likely to be part of their roster next month. Notable among them was center Mikael Granlund, who signed a three-year, $21 million contract with Anaheim as a free agent on July 1, 2023. Granlund previously played for the Sharks, having been acquired in a trade from the Pittsburgh Penguins in August 2023.

In roster news, the Sharks assigned center Filip Bystedt and winger Igor Chernyshov to the Barracuda on October 2. Bystedt, a first-round pick by the Sharks in 2022, had a productive season with 31 points in 50 games with the Barracuda last year. With the departure of Andrew Poturalski, the AHL’s MVP, Bystedt may have the opportunity to step into a prominent role as San Jose’s top center.

Chernyshov, selected 33rd overall by the Sharks in 2024, showcased his skills in the OHL before joining the Barracuda, where he recorded an assist in two regular-season games and a goal in two playoff matches.

As the Sharks continue their preseason preparations, they will face further tests before the regular season begins. The team will look to refine its strategies and solidify its roster in anticipation of the challenges ahead.