SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Nazem Kadri scored twice and the Calgary Flames defeated the San Jose Sharks 4-1 on Thursday night in both teams’ first game since the Olympic break.
Connor Zarri broke the tie early in the third period when he fired a shot past Jaroslav Askarov on the run. Kadri provided some needed assurance when he converted for his second goal of the game after a defensive zone error by Timothy Liljegren.
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Mikael Backlund scored an empty-net goal to seal the win.
Dustin Wolf, a native of nearby Gilroy, made 34 career saves against San Jose to improve to 10-2.
Tyler Toffoli scored the lone goal for the Sharks, who lost their crucial six-game home opener as they try to make the playoffs. San Jose begins the night five points out of a playoff spot.
Askarov made 25 saves.
The first game back from the Olympic hiatus was in San Jose, a rare sellout weekend. The Sharks honored four Olympians, with star Macklin Celebrini earning the loudest ovation after leading the Games with five goals as Canada won silver.
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Celebrini was left off the scoresheet after not scoring a point this season, leading to a 1-12-2 record for the Sharks.
San Jose took control of the game with 17 shots in the first period but could never get past Wolff until Toffoli redirected Mario Ferraro’s shot into the goal in the opening minutes of the second period.
Kadri tied the game later in the period when he beat Askarov on a pass from Joel Farabee.
Next
Flames: At Los Angeles on Saturday.
Sharks: Host Edmonton on Saturday.
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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhla
