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San Jose Sharks Avoid Disaster, Defeat Florida Panthers 4-3 in Overtime

The San Jose Sharks faced a tough test to begin the 2026-27 season, as they hosted the Florida Panthers, a team widely considered to be one of the NHL's top Stanley Cup contenders. For a team looking to make the…

Published: Friday, 2 October 2026 at 2:52 AM
San Jose Sharks Avoid Disaster, Defeat Florida Panthers 4-3 in Overtime
Key Things to Know
  • The San Jose Sharks defeated the Florida Panthers 4-3 in overtime in their season opener.
  • Luca Cagnoni scored his first career NHL goal in overtime to secure the Sharks' win.
  • San Jose initially took a 3-0 lead with two goals from Will Smith and one from Mason Marchment.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The San Jose Sharks opened their 2026-27 season with a 4-3 overtime victory against the Florida Panthers at SAP Center. San Jose took a commanding 3-0 lead behind an opening goal from Mason Marchment and two goals from Will Smith, including a shorthanded effort. Luca Cagnoni secured the victory in the extra period by netting his first career NHL goal.

Florida mounted a fierce comeback to force overtime, sparked by two goals from Eetu Luostarinen before Matthew Tkachuk tied the contest 17 seconds later. Goaltender Yaroslav Askarov made key stops for San Jose, while Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov exited the game in pain following a high-sticking incident.

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