SAN JOSE – The San Jose Sharks opened their regular season with a dramatic victory on Thursday night, defeating the reigning Stanley Cup champions 4-3 in overtime at SAP Center before an announced sellout crowd of 17,435, according to The Mercury News. The contest featured a physical tone, multiple lead changes, and a historic finish from a rookie defenseman.
With 1:46 remaining in the extra frame, rookie defenseman Luca Cagnoni took a feed from Will Smith and beat Florida goaltender Akira Schmid five-hole. The strike marked Cagnoni’s first career NHL goal and made him the first player in franchise history to score his first career NHL goal in overtime.
Cagnoni finished the night with 21:17 of ice time, ranking second among all San Jose defensemen. In addition to the game-winning tally, he registered an assist on Smith’s second-period power-play goal. Cagnoni secured an opening-night roster spot after a strong preseason and communication from general manager Mike Grier, as detailed by San Jose Hockey Now. Last season, the 21-year-old blueliner recorded 43 points in 67 games with the American Hockey League’s San Jose Barracuda while quarterbacking a top-two power play unit.
Will Smith also had a standout performance for San Jose, scoring twice and adding an assist. Macklin Celebrini contributed three assists, playing a central role in orchestrating the team’s offensive sequences, including primary helpers on both of Smith’s goals.
The Sharks built a commanding 3-0 advantage before Florida mounted a comeback. Mason Marchment opened the scoring in the first period, followed by Smith’s two goals. However, the Panthers began chipping away late in the second period when Eetu Luostarinen converted on a power play with 2:50 remaining.
Florida tied the game in the third period with goals from Luostarinen and Matthew Tkachuk separated by just 17 seconds, ABC7 News reported. Despite the blown lead, San Jose regrouped and withstood late pressure.
The physical encounter also saw Florida lose captain Aleksander Barkov in the second period due to an awkward fall along the boards during a scrum involving Darnell Nurse and Zack Ostapchuk. Panthers coach Paul Maurice stated that Barkov would be re-evaluated upon the team’s arrival in Southern California ahead of upcoming games against Anaheim and Los Angeles.
Goaltender Yaroslav Askarov anchored the Sharks’ defense with 23 saves, earning his first season-opening victory since 2021. Akira Schmid stopped 28 shots for the Panthers. San Jose was shorthanded six times during the opening two periods but successfully killed off five of the penalties while generating offensive pressure.
The Sharks continue their homestand by hosting the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night, while the Panthers travel to face the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday.