San Jose Sharks slipped toward the bottom of the Western Conference when Linus Karlsson struck in the sixth shootout round, handing Vancouver a 4-3 victory in San Jose. The loss cuts the Sharks’ slim playoff window and threatens the final wild‑card spot as Los Angeles edges closer.

San Jose entered the game after a 30‑point surge that lifted them from last place two seasons ago. Coach Mark Riley’s squad has surged from the cellar, but a five‑point gap to Los Angeles remains. The Canucks capitalized early, with Marco Rossi and Jake DeBrusk adding goals to keep the lead.

During regulation, Macklin Celebrini sparked the opening goal, setting up Chernyshov who netted early. San Jose pulled ahead 3‑2 with Chernyshov’s second, but Teddy Blueger’s power‑play equaliser cut the lead to one. The shootout proved decisive, with Askarov stopping 38 shots for Vancouver, and the Sharks’ hope of a postseason berth evaporated after the final horn blew.

With only three games remaining, San Jose must win at home while Los Angeles seeks a win to close the gap. The Canucks’ victory adds pressure on the Sharks to regroup quickly, as their playoff fate hinges on the results of the final stretch for the franchise to salvage a season that began with hope in the final days today.