Sharks Fell to Golden Knights in Shootout
The San Jose Sharks dropped to a 0-1-1 preseason record after a narrow shootout loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Hockey
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The San Jose Sharks were defeated 2-1 by the Vegas Golden Knights in a shootout on Tuesday following a 1-1 tie in regulation. The preseason loss leaves San Jose with an 0-1-1 record.
Why it matters
The game served as a critical evaluation period for roster spots as the team prepares to finalize its 23-man group. It also provided a platform for younger players like Ivar Stenberg to make their professional debuts.
Yaroslav Askarov recorded 22 saves for San Jose, while Carter Hart stopped 28 shots for Vegas. The teams were tied 1-1 after regulation, with Michael Misa and Alexander Holtz scoring for their respective sides.
The players
Michael Misa
He is a rising forward who recorded a third-period goal for the San Jose Sharks.
Yaroslav Askarov
He is a goaltender for the San Jose Sharks who finished the contest with 22 saves.
Carter Hart
He is a goaltender for the Vegas Golden Knights who anchored his team with 28 saves.
Ivar Stenberg
He is a developing hockey player who made his official NHL preseason debut during this game.
The details
After a scoreless start, Michael Misa broke the deadlock at 4:18 of the third period, but Alexander Holtz leveled the game for Vegas at 8:22. The contest ultimately moved to a shootout, where Matyas Sapovaliv and Braedan Bowman converted their attempts to secure the victory for the Golden Knights.
Timeline
The game took place on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
The Sharks play the Anaheim Ducks on September 24, 2026.
The Sharks meet the Vegas Golden Knights again on September 26, 2026.
The regular season begins on October 1, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This early preseason stretch is critical for management as they assess depth and talent to meet the NHL 23-man roster limit. The results influence lineup stability and final cut decisions before the regular season begins in October.
The shootout loss drops the Sharks to an 0-1-1 preseason record, limiting the team's momentum as they finalize their opening-night roster. Fantasy owners should monitor the goaltending split between Yaroslav Askarov and his counterparts as the regular season approaches.
The takeaway
Preseason shootouts allow coaches to test specific talent under pressure without impacting standing points. Fans should view these early games as experimental trials rather than definitive indicators of how the squad will perform during the regular season.
What happens next
The Sharks face the Anaheim Ducks on September 24, 2026, followed by a rematch against the Vegas Golden Knights on September 26, 2026. The team will then open its official regular season campaign on October 1, 2026, against the Florida Panthers.
Further reading
For more information on team updates, visit San Jose Hockey.
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