tyler toffoli assisted on Michael Misa’s opening goal and was credited with another as the San Jose Sharks defeated the Boston Bruins 4-2, ending Boston’s 13-game home winning streak. Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 38 shots in the victory, while William Eklund produced an eye-popping goal to extend the lead.
Tyler Toffoli Sets Up Early Score, Credited With Second
tyler toffoli played a direct role in the Sharks grabbing a two-goal edge before the second intermission. He assisted on Michael Misa’s goal in the first period, and later was credited with a goal when Macklin Celebrini’s shot ricocheted off Jeremy Swayman’s blocker, off Toffoli and into the net. The deflection came seconds into a San Jose power play and pushed the Sharks ahead 2-0.
Eklund’s Midair Second Effort Turns Heads
William Eklund delivered a stunning highlight when he batted his own rebound out of midair while falling onto his back to make it 4-0. The sequence began with Eklund handling the puck up the right side and getting a shot on net that was stopped by Swayman, which lifted the puck into the air. Eklund became entangled with Swayman’s goalie stick but kept his focus and smacked the flipping puck into the net before tumbling backwards onto the ice. Eklund described the play as coming late in the shift during a 1-on-1, saying he was just trying to beat his man and ended up batting it out of the air. When asked about the finish, the coach called it reminiscent of Bobby Orr and said it was a goal that will be on highlight reels for a long time.
Sharks Move Into Playoff Spot; Late Rally, Fracas Close Out Game
The win moved the Sharks into a playoff spot with the 4-2 result. Colin Graf also contributed with a short-handed goal, creating a 3-0 advantage early in the third period after Alexander Wennberg led him through the neutral zone for a breakaway. Fraser Minten scored for Boston 10 seconds after Eklund’s goal, spoiling Nedeljkovic’s shutout bid, and David Pastrnak later cut the deficit to 4-2 with an extra attacker on the ice in the final minute.
As the game wound down there was a physical altercation. With 10 seconds remaining, Boston defenseman Charlie McAvoy flattened San Jose forward Kiefer Sherwood, which sparked a fight allowing the Sharks to run out the final seconds on a power play. The Bruins left the arena having lost at home for the first time since Dec. 23 and will head out on a three-game road trip starting in Washington on Saturday.
With Nedeljkovic’s 38 saves and contributions from Toffoli, Graf and Eklund, the Sharks took a statement victory in Boston and altered the playoff landscape for both teams as the season progresses.
