The San Jose Sharks secured a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night, continuing a promising stretch of games as they navigate a busy week of competition.
With just 45 seconds remaining in the second period,Sharks forward Filip Zadina scored his 16th goal of the season,capitalizing on a pass from Dmitri Voronkov to break the tie.
The Sharks, having won four of their last five contests, are now preparing for a challenging road trip to face the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday.
Following their matchup with the Kings, the team will return home to host the Dallas Stars on Saturday and the Vegas Golden knights on Sunday, completing a demanding stretch of games.
Unfortunately, the Sharks suffered a setback during the game with the loss of center Ty Dellandrea to an injury late in the second period.
Dellandrea was skating towards the Blue Jackets’ net when he lost his footing and collided legs-first into the goalpost with 4:45 left on the clock.
He required assistance to leave the ice and enter the locker room, and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the game.
This season has marked a meaningful turnaround for Dellandrea, who previously struggled to find his footing with the Sharks.
Last season, he recorded just eight points in 68 games while averaging under 12 minutes of ice time per game.
However, prior to Tuesday’s injury, Dellandrea had already amassed 11 points in 41 games this season, establishing himself as a key penalty killer and a reliable faceoff specialist for the team.
Meanwhile, forward Egor Regenda continues to make an impact after joining the Sharks.
Regenda had previously played 19 NHL games with the Anaheim Ducks, registering three points, before being acquired by San Jose.
He was initially obtained from the Ducks on January 22, 2025, in exchange for Justin Bailey, and spent time with the San jose Barracuda of the AHL.
Despite a strong training camp, Regenda was placed on waivers and assigned to the Barracuda before being recalled in December.
In two games upon his return, he scored twice, but was then sent back to the AHL.
His most recent recall on December 30th saw him score all three of the Sharks’ goals in a recent game, though the team ultimately suffered a loss.
Throughout his AHL career,spanning from 2022 to 2025,Regenda has accumulated an impressive 112 points in 204 games.
Sharks’ Recent Performance and Player Development
The Sharks’ recent success, winning four out of five games, demonstrates a growing cohesion within the team.
This positive trend is particularly encouraging as they face a demanding schedule, including matchups against divisional rivals like the Kings and Golden Knights.
I’ve found that consistent performance against tough opponents is a hallmark of teams poised for success in the NHL.
The development of players like Dellandrea and Regenda is crucial for the Sharks’ long-term prospects.
Dellandrea’s Impact and Injury Concerns
Dellandrea’s transformation from a limited role player to a key contributor highlights the importance of player development and chance.
His versatility as a penalty killer and faceoff specialist adds significant value to the Sharks’ lineup.
The nature of his injury is concerning, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt, especially given his recent contributions.
Did You Know? According to a study by the NHLPA,injuries to key players can decrease a team’s win percentage by as much as 15-20%.
Regenda’s Emergence as a Scoring Threat
Regenda’s journey from the AHL to becoming a scoring threat for the Sharks is a testament to his perseverance and skill.
His ability to find the back of the net, as evidenced by his three-goal performance, suggests he could be a valuable asset moving forward.
Here’s what works best: providing players with opportunities to showcase their abilities, even if it means multiple stints in the AHL, can lead to unexpected contributions.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on players who demonstrate strong offensive instincts in the AHL, as they often translate well to the NHL level.
Looking ahead: The Sharks’ Schedule and Challenges
The Sharks face a challenging schedule in the coming weeks, with games against the Kings, Stars, and Golden Knights.
These matchups will test their resilience and ability to compete against top teams in the Western Conference.
Maintaining a consistent level of play and avoiding further injuries will be critical for their success.
The team’s ability to overcome adversity, as demonstrated by their recent winning streak, will be a key factor in their performance.
As the season progresses, the Sharks will need to continue to develop their young players and build a strong team identity.
the Sharks‘ ability to navigate this challenging period will be a defining moment in their season.
| Team | Record (as of Jan 7, 2026) | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Kings | 25-12-4 | 54 |
| Dallas Stars | 22-14-5 | 49 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | 24-13-3 | 51 |
| San Jose Sharks | 15-20-6 | 36 |
What are your thoughts on the Sharks’ chances this season? Share your predictions in the comments below!
