San Jose Sharks overcame multiple injury setbacks to secure a convincing 5-2 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets on January 7, 2026, at SAP Center. The win was crucial as the Sharks continue to navigate a competitive landscape in the Western Conference playoff race.
The team’s depth is being severely tested with the absence of key players. Defensemen John Klingberg and Shakir Mukhamadullin were already placed on the injured reserve earlier in the week, and the situation worsened when centerman Ty Dellandrea left the game with an undisclosed injury. Dellandrea, who has been instrumental as the third-line center and a leading penalty killer, exited the match after colliding with the goalpost, requiring assistance to leave the ice. Coach Ryan Warsofsky did not provide an immediate update following the game as the Sharks prepared for their next encounter against the Los Angeles Kings.
In Dellandrea’s absence, the Sharks may need to adjust their lineup, potentially shifting Adam Gaudette into the center role. Gaudette expressed confidence in his readiness to return after recovering from a lower body injury, although Michael Misa will not be available as he just resumed play following the World Juniors.
Despite these challenges, the Sharks displayed resilience, winning four out of their last five games and currently holding the second wild card spot in the Western Conference, just three points behind the Pacific Division leaders.
Ostapchuk Shines in Key Moment
One of the standout performances of the night came from Zack Ostapchuk, who solidified his position as the Sharks’ fourth line center. With the Sharks clinging to a narrow 2-1 lead late in the third period, Ostapchuk intercepted a pass from Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, racing past defenders to secure a breakaway. He executed a beautiful forehand to backhand move, netting his second goal of the season and extending the Sharks’ lead to 3-1 with just 4:44 remaining in regulation.
Ostapchuk’s performance included three hits, two blocked shots, and a commendable five wins out of twelve faceoffs. His teammate Ryan Reaves praised his speed and physicality, stating, “He’s the fastest man in the world… He was blowing by everybody.” This performance may have been pivotal in proving his value to the team, especially as roster adjustments loom with returning players.
Reaves and Crowd Energy
Reaves himself had a challenging night, engaging in a fight with Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier shortly after a Columbus goal narrowed the Sharks’ lead. The bout resulted in Reaves needing to undergo concussion protocol after being knocked down by a punch, marking a rare occurrence in his extensive career. Reflecting on the fight, Reaves acknowledged the challenge posed by Olivier, stating, “It’s the first time I’ve been caught and knocked down like that… But when you go up against a guy like that… eventually I was gonna get caught.”
In addition to the on-ice action, the crowd at SAP Center also made headlines. An announced attendance of 16,258 brought a much-needed energy to the venue, a notable increase compared to previous Tuesday night games which often saw many empty seats. This season, the Sharks have averaged 15,497 tickets distributed per game, with an uptick in attendance expected for upcoming games against the Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights.
Warsofsky remarked on the crowd’s impact, stating, “It’s always nice to win at home, and you can feel the energy is really coming back in this building.” As the Sharks continue to battle through injuries and secure crucial victories, the support from their fan base may become a significant factor in their playoff aspirations.