Three Things: Can't Overcome Vanecek, Marchenko Breaks Shutout, Wennberg Wins It

By Will Chase on November 6, 2024 at 8:15 am
San Jose Sharks defenseman Jack Thompson (26) and San Jose Sharks left wing William Eklund (72) and teammates celebrate after the goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose.
© Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
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Late-night hockey after dark is always interesting.

Alexander Wennberg's overtime game-winner lifted the San Jose Sharks over the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 on Tuesday night at SAP Center.


Can't Overcome Vanecek

A second-period Sharks goal was waived off due to a challenge by the Blue Jackets for goaltender interference. There were seven power-play opportunities between the clubs with the Blue Jackets 0-for-3 and the Sharks 0-for-4.

The Blue Jackets had 50 shots on goal.

Sharks goaltender Vitek Vanecek is playing his first season in the Bay Area after entering the league with the Washington Capitals and spending the last two seasons with the New Jersey Devils. He was traded to the Sharks in March and spent the remaining portion of the 2023-24 season on injured reserve.

In his career against the Blue Jackets, he's 7-0-0 in seven starts with a .950 save percentage and 1.55 goals against average. His 49-save performance on Tuesday is a new career high.

Justin Danforth and Damon Severson co-led the game with six shots on goal. Zach Werenski played 31:26. 


Marchenko Breaks Shutout

Columbus was pouring it on Vanacek and the Sharks in the third period when Kirill Marchenko scored his fifth goal of the season to tie the game 1-1 on the Jackets’ 45th shot of the game. The goal was his first in five games and he has a team-leading 13 points.


Wennberg Wins It

Wennberg's goal at 3:11 of the overtime was the difference to help the Sharks over his former team.

Fabian Zetterlund had the primary assist and Vanecek had an assist. Wennberg's goal is his second overtime winner this season. He has three goals in his past five games.

This game also featured Jack Thompson's first career NHL goal at 18:49 of the second period to give San Jose the 1-0 lead.


Weekend Back-To-Back

The Blue Jackets begin the first of a back-to-back when they battle the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Columbus will take on the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 8:00 p.m. ET. 

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