SAN JOSE -- The Sharks came from behind twice in Tuesday's battle against the Coyotes. But in the end, it just wasn't enough.
San Jose (16-18-2) had the opportunity to tie things up in the final minute of play thanks to a two-man advantage. But a late-game goal from Arizona (20-12-4) was enough to sink them as the Sharks fell 3-2.
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Here are three takeaways from Team Teal's loss at SAP Center.
Dell did his best
Despite giving up the first goal of the game at the 4:57 mark of the first period, Aaron Dell did a pretty good job in his first back-to-back start of the season. And really, he didn't have much help on Arizona's second goal of the evening as San Jose's fourth line was in the midst of a rough shift in front of him.
Dell was especially good in the third frame with the game tied up 2-2 and some grade-A scoring chances for Arizona coming right at him.
San Jose Sharks
If Oliver Ekman-Larsson's shot hadn't banked off of Brenden Dillon's skate, Dell might've been able to hold the Coyotes to two goals.
Defense still a work in progress
Although San Jose's defensive effort had its fair share of gaffes throughout the night, their overall effort appears to be improving with every game they play under interim head coach Bob Boughner. Even with a couple of untimely turnovers during the contest, the effort was good enough against a visiting Arizona team that entered Tuesday's game with a 11-4-3 road record.
That being said, that effort still needs to be better. The Sharks are set to host two tough opponents in the St. Louis Blues and the Vegas Golden Knights in this upcoming weekend's back-to-back. If San Jose doesn't want to get heavily outscored, they are going to have to cut down on some of their mistakes.
On a positive note...
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Hertl's healthy
It took No. 48 a few games to rebound after missing time due to an ankle injury. But boy, has he found his groove again. Tomas Hertl not only extended his current goal streak to three games, but he also notched his 129th and 130th career goals to Tuesday night, moving him past Marco Sturm into sole possession of ninth on San Jose's all-time goals list.
It should also be noted that Hertl has been playing well since being moved to Joe Thornton's wing. It's entirely possible that Boughner will move him back to center at some point, particularly if the o-lines need to be shaken up. (Which could happen soon if Kevin Labanc is severely injured from that hit he took in the second period.) For the meantime, however, Hertl is in a place where he can thrive -- which is huge for a Sharks' team that needs as much production from their top-six forwards as possible.