The San Jose Sharks scored five goals in the third period, which handed them the victory over the Los Angeles Kings 7-2.
The first pick in the draft, San Jose center Macklin Celebrini, had three points on the night. Of those three points, two were goals in the third period. His first of the night would be the difference maker in the matchup, putting San Jose up 3-2 in front of the crowd at SAP Center. The goal was a snap shot that found the top right corner on Kings goaltender Dave Rittich. With defender Timothy Liljegren scoring a minute later, Celebrini added his second goal of the night --- only one minute after that --- on the power play to put the Sharks up 5-2.
Celebrini’s assist came earlier in the matchup on winger Fabian Zetterlund’s odd goal. On a completely broken play, Zetterlund flung a puck toward the cage from behind the net, which bounced off a Kings player in front of the cage and went in, which would tie the game at two.
To start the game, San Jose forward Nico Sturm scored under two minutes in to set the tone for the night.
The Kings' only action came in the middle period when they lit the lamp twice. Defender Brandt Clarke struck first to tie the game at one, scoring his third goal this season. Shortly after, captain Anze Kopitar added to the goal to put LA up briefly 2-1. During this contest, Kopitar also skated in his 699th away game, the fourth most of active skaters.
The Kings will get a day off before playing the Winnipeg Jets at home on Wednesday at 7 p.m.