"The San Jose Sharks aren't the best team in the league, but somehow, some way, the Sharks have the Minnesota Wild's number. It took extra time once again, but the Sharks swept the season series with the Wild today, with a 4-3 shootout win. The win claimed the Sharks' 20th win of the season, equaling San Jose's total wins in all of the 2024-25 season. The last time the Sharks had 20 or more wins before the turn of the calendar was in 2018-19, when the team had 46 wins and made the playoffs. While we're not saying that the Sharks are going to make the playoffs this season, a win like the one over the Wild certainly will go a long way toward showing that the Sharks have a shot."
"While Macklin Celebrini's selection for Team Canada was certainly an excellent gift to close out the new year, the arrival of Igor Chernyshov for the Sharks might be an even better one. Chernyshov's play since joining the Sharks has been exceptional, especially when you consider that the forward wasn't expected to make his presence felt in the NHL so early. Chernyshov had a goal and an assist in this game and is now on a more than point per game pace since joining the NHL. The rookie forward has found some excellent chemistry with Celebrini, but he's also shown some elite skill, such as on San Jose's first goal of the game."
"Igor Chernyshov buries his third career goal following a pretty feed from Macklin Celebrini 🦈 pic.twitter.com/trVuLzw"
San Jose defeated Minnesota 4-3 in a shootout to complete a season sweep and record their 20th win, matching last season's total. The Sharks last reached 20 wins before the calendar turn in 2018-19, a year they finished with 46 wins and a playoff berth. The team showed better competitiveness and pushed back against Minnesota's possession advantage, according to Corsi differential. Igor Chernyshov has been exceptional since joining the lineup, registering a goal and an assist and posting better than a point-per-game pace while developing chemistry with Macklin Celebrini.
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