EK65’s first career hat trick not enough in loss to Ducks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Erik Karlsson continued his hot start to the 2022-23 NHL season, as the 32-year-old was the engine for the Sharks’ offense in their 6-5 loss to the Anaheim Ducks in a shootout on Tuesday at SAP Center.
After the Ducks opened the scoring against San Jose in the first period, Karlsson tied it at one apiece and then leveled the scoring again 2-2, although Nico Sturm first got credit for the goal but was later switched in the first 20 minutes of the game.
The Sharks defenseman then scored the game-tying goal late in the third period to complete the hat trick and send the game to overtime and an eventual shootout, where San Jose fell.
Despite his superb performance against the Ducks, Karlsson vented frustration over the result, stating, “we are where we are for a reason” to reporters postgame (h/t San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng).
Karlsson netted his first career hat trick and chipped in with one assist as the veteran defenseman rediscovered the past form that led to him winning two James Norris Memorial trophies with the Ottawa Senators.
Additionally, Timo Meier chipped in on the scoring sheet alongside Karlsson as the 26-year-old scored twice in the second period.
Meier netted his A power play on the first goal. Then on the second goal, the Sharks’ forward received some luck as Ducks winger Jakob Silfverberg scored into his net, with Meier getting credit for the goal.
Nevertheless, the loss sticks out in the end, pushing the Sharks’ record to 3-8-1 this season. San Jose’s offense came to play, but their defense surrendered 44 total shots on goal, allowing the Ducks to score five times in regulation.
The Sharks will attempt to bounce back and end their two-game losing streak against the Florida Panthers on Thursday at SAP Center.