by Sharks make NHL history with late-game collapse against Avalanche originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Sharks made NHL history on Thursday night, but not for the reasons San Jose fans were hoping for.
After a 4-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche at the SAP Center, the Sharks became the first team in NHL history to lose three straight home games in regulation while holding a third-period lead in each game.
A hard-to-digest statistical note: #SJSharks Become the 1st team in @NHL History of losing 3 consecutive games in regulation time, all at home, after holding a lead in the third period in each game.
— Dan Rusanowsky (@DanRusanowsky) December 20, 2024
San Jose took a 2-1 lead into the third period against Colorado after William Eklund scored on a wrister in the second half.
Unfortunately, the Sharks’ lead eventually faded after goals from Avalanche forwards Mikko Rantanen and Joel Kiviranta secured San Jose a place in the record books.
The Sharks lost 4-3 to the Utah Hockey Club last weekend after leading 3-2, then fell again late when they lost 4-3 to the Winnipeg Jets.
While San Jose showed promise when rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini burst onto the scene, the Sharks are clearly still struggling to close out games as the pattern of blown leads continued in historic fashion in the third period on Thursday.
A change of scenery could help turn things around, and San Jose has a chance to get back in the win column when the Sharks take on the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday afternoon.
Download and follow the San Jose Hockey Now podcast
This embedded content is not available in your region.
