San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
San Jose rocked by COVID rules but wins anyway
Timo Meier’s powerplay goal 1:07 into overtime gave the Sharks a most improbable 2-1 win over Winnipeg at SAP Center on Saturday.
“That’s a big win, a fun game to be a part of,” Sharks defenseman Brent Burns said. “Big goal by Timo.”
Only hours before a delayed opening faceoff did the Sharks learn of multiple positive coronavirus tests. Still, they managed to put all the distractions behind them to end a threegame losing streak.
Meier scored his teamleading fifth goal on a one-time shot from the right circle off a feed from Kevin Labanc. Burns was interfered with by Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers 30 seconds into sudden death.
Sharks goalie James Reimer made 34 saves.
Seven Sharks, all regulars, were placed on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol including forwards Andrew Cogliano, Matt Nieto, Jonathan Dahlen along with defensemen Erik Karlsson, Jacob Middleton, MarcEdouard Vlasic and Radim Simek.
San Jose captain Logan Couture missed the game, termed under the weather by a team spokesman and not included in the group whose tests administered Friday came back positive on Saturday.
“It was kind of a wild scenario,” Reimer said. “Guys were trying to keep it light. It was a little chaotic. After warm-ups we got the OK we were going, buckled down and grinded it out for 60 minutes and a little more.”
Fortunate the team’s American Hockey League affiliate was in town, the Sharks recalled and dressed forwards John Leonard and Nick Merkley along with defensemen Jaycob Megna, Nicolas Meloche and Ryan Merkley, who made his NHL debut along with rookie blue liner Santeri Hatakka.
In addition, Sharks coach Bob Boughner joined San Jose Barracuda forward Noah Gregor on the COVID-19 protocol list. Assistant coach John MacLean assumed Boughner’s duties for the game and development coach Mike Ricci jumped behind the bench to play an assistant’s role.
“It was a tremendous win from Reimer on out,” MacLean said. “They were pretty much coaching themselves and that was fun to see.”
According to a team release, all Sharks and Barracuda players and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and are compliant with the NHL’s testing and guidance protocols.
“Last year it was only me,” said forward Tomas Hertl, the lone Shark to catch COVID. “It was a crazy day. I’m proud of every guy in the room.”
Hertl scored his third goal of the season 54 seconds into the middle period.
But the Jets, winners of four straight, pushed hard in the third and gained the equalizer at 16:48 on Kyle Connor’s seventh goal. Reimer made a right-pad save on Ehlers, but was out of position for the rebound. “We were bending,” Burns said. “Guys were blocking shots and playing tight. It sucks when that happens so close to the end.”