Full Breakdown
Sharks Fall to Golden Knights in Preseason Rematch
9/27/2025, 3:05:26 PM
Game Overview: Sharks vs. Golden Knights
The San Jose Sharks faced the Vegas Golden Knights for the second time in the 2025 preseason on September 26, 2025, at SAP Center. The Golden Knights emerged victorious with a score of 2-1, avenging their earlier loss to the Sharks, who had won their first matchup 3-0 just days prior. Dmitry Orlov opened the scoring for the Sharks in the second period, but goals from Cole Schwindt and Lukas Cormier secured the win for Vegas.
Scoring Breakdown
The first period ended scoreless, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. Orlov's goal at 4:48 of the second period gave the Sharks a brief lead, as he scored with a slap shot from the right point, assisted by Alexander Wennberg and Ethan Cardwell. However, the Golden Knights quickly responded, with Schwindt tying the game at 8:13 through a deflected shot. Cormier's power-play goal at 5:12 of the third period proved decisive, giving Vegas a 2-1 lead that they maintained until the final buzzer.
Player Highlights
Sharks' head coach Ryan Warsofsky expressed mixed feelings about the performance of his young players, including Michael Misa and Sam Dickinson, who showed promise but struggled with consistency. Warsofsky noted, “Everyone can show flashes... That’s what sets others apart from others. Can they do it again and do it again the next day?”
Ethan Cardwell was particularly notable for his aggressive play, contributing to the Sharks' penalty kill and generating scoring chances. Despite the loss, he remarked, “I’d like to have those back, especially the ones off the post [and] the breakaway.”
Official Statements & Responses
Following the game, Warsofsky acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “We probably took a step back... But the world’s not coming to an end. We’ve got to move forward.” He emphasized the importance of learning from the experience as the Sharks prepare for the regular season.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics pointed out that the Sharks struggled to maintain offensive pressure, registering only 16 shots on goal throughout the game. The team’s discipline was also questioned, as they frequently found themselves in the penalty box, which hindered their momentum. The Golden Knights capitalized on these opportunities, particularly with Cormier's power-play goal.
What's Next for Both Teams
The Golden Knights will continue their preseason schedule with a matchup against the Colorado Avalanche on September 30, while the Sharks will look to regroup and improve in their next game against the Anaheim Ducks. Both teams are focused on refining their rosters ahead of the regular season, which begins on October 8, 2025.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But the world’s not coming to an end. We’ve got to move forward. It’s training camp. Learn from it. Get better on Sunday.” — Ryan Warsofsky, Head Coach, San Jose Sharks
- “I’d like to have those back, especially the ones off the post [and] the breakaway,” — Ethan Cardwell, Forward, San Jose Sharks
This preseason matchup highlighted the ongoing development of young players for the Sharks and the Golden Knights' ability to bounce back, setting the stage for an intriguing regular season ahead.
