Late Gaudette goal lifts Sharks past Blues 5-4, tightening Western Conference wild-card race standings
Sharks strike late in back-and-forth win over St. Louis
The San Jose Sharks edged the St. Louis Blues 5-4 on Monday night at SAP Center, deciding the game in the final half-minute and adding another swing to a crowded Western Conference wild-card race. Adam Gaudette scored the winner with 21 seconds remaining, converting off the rush with a wrist shot that slipped through goaltender Joel Hofer.
San Jose’s offense was led by Alexander Wennberg and rookie Macklin Celebrini, who each finished with two goals and an assist. Goaltender Yaroslav Askarov made 22 saves as the Sharks improved to 34-31-7 (75 points). The result snapped a three-game winning streak for St. Louis, which fell to 31-31-11 (73 points).
Special teams and timing shaped the finish
The game turned on execution in key moments rather than sustained control by either side. St. Louis erased a late deficit when defenseman Cam Fowler scored a power-play goal with 7:07 left in regulation, tying the score 4-4 after a wrist shot from the right side beat Askarov to the glove side.
San Jose answered with the final push, and Gaudette’s goal in the last minute ensured the Sharks collected two points in regulation instead of risking overtime in a tight standings picture.
San Jose goals: Adam Gaudette (game-winner), Alexander Wennberg (two), Macklin Celebrini (two)
St. Louis goals: Theo Lindstein, Pavel Buchnevich, Philip Broberg, Cam Fowler
Goaltending: Askarov (22 saves), Hofer (24 saves)
Celebrini’s milestone season continues
Celebrini, 19, continued a standout first NHL season. With his production to date—38 goals and 63 assists—he has reached 100 points, a threshold achieved by only a small group of teenagers in league history.
San Jose’s win moved it into a points tie with Seattle and within two points of Nashville for the final wild-card position, with Los Angeles also in the immediate mix.
What’s next
Both teams return to action Wednesday. St. Louis continues its road trip at the Los Angeles Kings, while San Jose remains home to host the Anaheim Ducks.