Rookie forward's two goals help Sharks snap six-game skid

San Jose Sharks defeat Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 in comeback win

Mar. 28, 2026 at 11:43pm

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Rookie forward Igor Chernyshov scored two goals, including the game-winning goal with 1:25 left in the third period, to lift the San Jose Sharks to a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday. The win snapped the Sharks' six-game losing streak as they begin a crucial six-game homestand.

Why it matters

The Sharks entered Saturday's game in 12th place in the Western Conference standings, six points back of the second wild card spot. This victory keeps their playoff hopes alive as they look to make a late-season push.

The details

After falling behind 2-1 in the second period, the Sharks rallied in the third. Macklin Celebrini scored early in the period to tie the game, and then Chernyshov netted the game-winner late to secure the victory. Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic made 21 saves for the Sharks, who were playing without the injured Yaroslav Askarov.

  • The Sharks snapped a six-game losing streak with the win on Saturday.
  • Chernyshov scored the game-winning goal with 1:25 left in the third period.
  • Celebrini tied the game early in the third period, just 57 seconds into the period.

The players

Igor Chernyshov

Rookie forward who scored two goals, including the game-winner, to lead the Sharks to victory.

Macklin Celebrini

Sharks forward who scored the game-tying goal early in the third period.

Alex Nedeljkovic

Sharks goaltender who made 21 saves to earn the win in net.

Yaroslav Askarov

Sharks goaltender who was injured in the previous game and is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Laurent Brossoit

Sharks goaltender who was recalled from the AHL's Barracuda and may start if Askarov is unavailable.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to dig deep and find a way to get this win. The guys really stepped up in the third period and Igor came through with a huge goal to seal it.”

— David Quinn, Sharks Head Coach

What’s next

The Sharks will look to build on this win as they begin a crucial six-game homestand, starting with a matchup against the St. Louis Blues on Monday.

The takeaway

This comeback victory keeps the Sharks' playoff hopes alive as they look to make a late-season push. The team's young core, led by Chernyshov and Celebrini, stepped up in a big way to snap the losing streak and set the stage for a critical homestand.