Sharks fall apart in third period in loss to Coyotes

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Sharks allowed an early third-period goal to Dylan Guenther and could not recover in what became a 5-2 loss to the Arizona Coyotes on Sunday at SAP Center.

A Sharks turnover at their blue line helped the Coyotes break a 2-2 tie, as they allowed Alex Kerfoot to take control of the puck along the boards. He found an open Guenther with a centering pass, and Guenther fired a shot past Sharks goalie Mackenzie Blackwood at the 4:56 mark of the third period for his 14th goal of the season.

Clayton Keller then scored with 5:47 left in regulation time, helping to seal the Sharks’ 12th loss in their last 14 games. Nick Schmaltz added an empty-netter with 3:06 left to play after the Sharks pulled goalie Mackenzie Blackwood.

The Sharks got goals from Henry Thrun and Luke Kunin but were unable to beat Coyotes goalie Connor Ingram again as they fell to 1-3-0 on this homestand that ends Tuesday against the Calgary Flames.

Collin Graf and Thrun assisted on Kunin’s goal at the 11:40 mark of the second period. For Graf, it was his first NHL point in his second game with the Sharks.

Blackwood made 22 saves for the Sharks, who remained seven points back of the Chicago Blackhawks for 31st place in the NHL’s overall standings.

The Sharks were coming off a 3-2 overtime win over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday and looked fatigued against the Coyotes, particularly in the third period when they managed just six shots on net. Ingram finished with 25 saves.

Barabanov update

Alexander Barabanov’s season and his Sharks career appear to be over as there remains no sign of the injured winger getting back on the ice with less than two weeks left in the regular season.

Barabanov was injured blocking a shot in the Sharks’ game against the Dallas Stars on March 26. He was seen in a protective walking boot after the game and two days later, Sharks coach David Quinn announced that Barabanov was week to week.

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