Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson scored his first goal for his new team Sunday. Well, technically, at least.
5:41 into the second period, Karlsson scored a power-play goal in San Jose's preseason finale against the Vegas Golden Knights. We say technically, of course, because statistics from the exhibition season don't count towards a player's career numbers.
When the games do count, though, Karlsson probably won't have an easier time scoring.
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The defenseman ran a give-and-go with winger Kevin Labanc, and tapped the puck into a gaping net. The initial pass drew Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury out of position, and the pass back gave Karlsson plenty of time to finish.
Part of the reason the Sharks acquired the two-time Norris Trophy winner was to improve their power play, which converted on 20.6 percent of its chances last season. If Karlsson gets more chances like the one he buried on Sunday, that percentage should climb.
Labanc also added a second power-play goal with 3:32 remaining in regulation, but what transpired between his and Karlsson's tallies will probably worry Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer.
San Jose Sharks
Vegas scored shorthanded goals on three consecutive San Jose power plays after Karlsson's goal. New Golden Knights winger Max Pacioretty sandwiched a pair of Tomas Nosek goals. Nosek's second shorthanded effort gave Vegas a 5-1 lead with 18:18 remaining in regulation.
Sunday marked the second straight game in which the Sharks, icing a lineup filled with NHL regulars, gave up a shorthanded goal. Vegas also scored shorthanded against San Jose last Saturday, but neither team was at full strength.
The Sharks will not practice Monday, but will have one more on Tuesday to work out the kinks in the power play. They'll host the Anaheim Ducks to open the regular season on Wednesday, hoping to see more plays like Karlsson's goal and fewer like the shorthanded goals allowed.