Sharks split 2-game series with Blues after Hertl's shootout winner
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Tomas Hertl’s goal in a shootout lifted the San Jose Sharks to a 2-1 comeback victory over the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday night.
It was Hertl’s third goal in four games this season and extended his points streak to four games.
The Sharks appeared to get the game-winner with 11 seconds left in overtime, but the officials quickly waved it off for goaltender interference on Ryan Donato. After a review, the call was upheld.
Marcus Sorensen also scored and Martin Jones made 23 saves for the Sharks, who snapped a six-game losing streak to St. Louis that started in the 2019 playoffs.
Brayden Schenn scored in his second straight game and Jordan Binnington made 33 saves for the Blues.
John Leonard almost gave the Sharks the lead, ringing a drive off the post early in the second period.
Instead, Schenn put the Blues on top at 4:27 of the second off Jordan Kyrou's feed. It was the first time in four games that St. Louis scored first.
Vince Dunn came close to building on St. Louis’ lead, but he hit the post late in the second.
The Sharks took advantage, tying the game with 2:03 left in the second as Sorensen made a diving poke off Matt Nieto's shot to even the game 1-1.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The teams combined to go 0 for 12 on the power play.
St. Louis is now scoreless on its first 14 man advantages of the season, while San Jose entered the game second in the league, scoring on 45% of its power-play chances.
SEASON DEBUTS
Sharks forward Dylan Gambrell was in the lineup for the first time this season. He centered the third line with John Leonard and Stefan Noesen.
Blues defenseman Niko Mikkola saw his first action of the season, filing in for Marco Scandella. Mikkola was paired with Carl Gunnarsson, who made his season debut on Monday for Robert Bortuzzo, who was placed on injured reserve with an upper body injury.
WELCOME BACK
Blues forward Sammy Blais was back in the starting lineup after serving a two-game suspension for a hit on Colorado’s Devon Toews in the season opener. He took Kyle Clifford’s spot on the fourth line with Ivan Barbashev and Oskar Sundqvist.
WHAT’S NEXT
Sharks: Continue their season-opening, eight-game road trip by starting a two-game set at Minnesota on Friday night.
Blues: Continue their four-game homestand by hosting Los Angeles in the first of a two-game set Saturday night.
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