Sharks Blow Lead, Fall to Blackhawks and Connor Bedard

San Jose's playoff hopes take a hit with loss to last-place Chicago

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game in progress, with the players and puck rendered as fragmented, overlapping shapes in muted blues, grays, and greens, conveying the chaotic energy and shifting momentum of the match.The Sharks' collapse against the Blackhawks leaves their playoff hopes in disarray, with the team's season-long struggles to close out games on full display.Chicago Today

The San Jose Sharks surrendered a 2-0 lead and allowed five unanswered goals in a 5-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday. Defenseman Mario Ferraro and center Michael Misa scored early for the Sharks, but Chicago rallied with goals from Sam Rinzel, Louis Crevier, Ryan Greene, and Nick Lardis, while Connor Bedard recorded two assists for the Blackhawks.

Why it matters

The loss was a setback for the Sharks' playoff hopes, as they remain on the outside looking in with one game left in the regular season. Rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini was held off the scoresheet, missing a chance to break the team's single-season points record.

The details

Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov made 19 saves, but the team managed just 17 shots on goal against the NHL's 31st-ranked Blackhawks. Chicago snapped a four-game losing streak with the victory.

  • The Sharks led 2-0 before Chicago scored five unanswered goals.
  • Defenseman Sam Rinzel scored for the Blackhawks with 30 seconds left in the second period.
  • Chicago scored three goals in the third period to take the lead.

The players

Mario Ferraro

Sharks defenseman who scored one of the team's two goals.

Michael Misa

Sharks center who scored the other goal for San Jose.

Connor Bedard

Blackhawks prospect who recorded two assists in the game.

Yaroslav Askarov

Sharks goaltender who made 19 saves in the loss.

Macklin Celebrini

Sharks rookie who remains two points shy of the team's single-season points record.

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What they’re saying

“We had the game in our control and let it slip away. That's a tough one to swallow.”

— Mario Ferraro, Sharks Defenseman

What’s next

The Sharks will face the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday to close out the regular season. A win would keep their slim playoff hopes alive, while a loss would officially eliminate them from postseason contention.

The takeaway

The Sharks' collapse against the lowly Blackhawks was a devastating blow to their playoff aspirations, and it highlighted the team's continued struggles to close out games this season. With one game left, the Sharks must regroup and find a way to end the year on a high note.