Sharks' young players, Nedeljkovic lead way in crucial win over Blackhawks

San Jose keeps pace in race for final Western Conference wild card spot with victory over Chicago

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:38am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a hockey game, with players and the puck rendered as fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in vibrant blues, greens, and reds.The Sharks' young stars and stellar goaltending lead the way in a crucial victory that keeps their playoff hopes alive.San Jose Today

The San Jose Sharks defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 on Monday night at SAP Center, with goals from Will Smith, Kiefer Sherwood, and William Eklund. Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic made 25 saves to help the Sharks keep pace in the race for the second and final wild card spot in the Western Conference.

Why it matters

The Sharks entered the game two points behind the Nashville Predators and Los Angeles Kings for the final wild card spot in the West, making this a crucial victory. The Blackhawks, with the NHL's youngest roster, have struggled defensively since the Olympic break, allowing the most high-danger chances in the league over the last 20 games.

The details

Will Smith's third-period goal proved to be the game-winner for the Sharks. Macklin Celebrini set up Collin Graf, who then found Smith for his 23rd goal of the season and 100th career NHL point. Eklund tied the game at 1-1 with a breakaway goal, and Sherwood gave the Sharks a 2-1 lead late in the first period. Nedeljkovic made 25 saves, allowing goals to Ryan Donato and Frank Nazar.

  • The Sharks took a 2-1 lead with 5:05 left before intermission.
  • With his team trailing by a goal, Eklund intercepted a pass and scored on a breakaway to tie the game 1-1.

The players

Will Smith

A Sharks forward who scored the game-winning goal in the third period, his 23rd of the season and 100th career NHL point.

Macklin Celebrini

A Sharks forward who set up the game-winning goal with a pass to Collin Graf.

William Eklund

A Sharks forward who scored a goal and added an assist, recording five points in his last three games.

Alex Nedeljkovic

The Sharks' goaltender who made 25 saves to help his team secure the crucial victory.

Ryan Donato

A Blackhawks forward who scored one of the team's two goals.

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What they’re saying

“This is a team that gets up the ice. They've got young skill that can make plays. They can score quickly. So we've got to be on top of them.”

— Ryan Warsofsky, Sharks coach

What’s next

The Sharks will face the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday to finish their six-game homestand, in a crucial game as they continue to chase a playoff spot.

The takeaway

The Sharks' victory over the Blackhawks, led by their young players and strong goaltending, keeps them in the hunt for the final Western Conference wild card spot. With a challenging schedule ahead, this win was an important step in their playoff push.