The San Jose Sharks overcame a series of injury challenges to secure a 5-2 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets at SAP Center on March 7, 2026. Despite losing key players to injury, including defensemen John Klingberg and Shakir Mukhamadullin, the Sharks showcased their depth and resilience in a tightly contested match.
The game took a turn when center Ty Dellandrea exited in the second period after a hard collision with the goal post. Dellandrea, who has played a vital role as the Sharks’ third-line center and a leading penalty killer, had to be assisted off the ice with 4:45 remaining in the period. Coach Ryan Warsofsky did not provide an immediate update on Dellandrea’s condition post-game as the team prepared to travel to Los Angeles for their next matchup.
Should Dellandrea be unable to participate in the upcoming game against the Kings, the Sharks may rely on Adam Gaudette to step into the center role. Gaudette, who recently returned from a lower body injury, expressed confidence in his readiness to play. Warsofsky has already ruled out Michael Misa, who just came back from the World Juniors, for the next game.
Despite the injury struggles, the Sharks maintained their competitive edge, winning four of their last five games and currently holding the second wild card spot in the Western Conference. They are just three points behind the first-place team in the Pacific Division.
Ostapchuk Shines in Key Moment
A highlight of the game was the performance of Zack Ostapchuk, who solidified his position as the Sharks’ fourth-line center. Ostapchuk scored his second goal as a Shark late in the third period, showcasing his speed and skill. He intercepted a pass from Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, raced past defenders, and executed a smooth forehand-to-backhand move against goaltender Jet Greaves to extend the Sharks’ lead to 3-1.
Ostapchuk’s contributions were not limited to scoring; he also recorded three hits, blocked two shots, and won five of twelve faceoffs. Ryan Reaves, a veteran forward for the Sharks, praised Ostapchuk’s performance, calling him “the fastest man in the world” and highlighting his physicality and skill.
Before Dellandrea’s injury, there were questions about Ostapchuk’s future with the Sharks as players return from injury. However, his recent performances have made a strong case for his continued presence on the roster.
Attendance Boost and Team Morale
Another significant aspect of the evening was the attendance at SAP Center. The game attracted an announced crowd of 16,258, just shy of a sellout, reflecting a recent uptick in fan engagement. Historically, Tuesday night games had often seen lower attendance, but this match marked a positive shift for the Sharks, with the team’s home attendance averaging 88.9% this season.
Warsofsky noted the importance of home victories, stating, “It’s always nice to win at home, and you can feel the energy is really coming back in this building.” With upcoming games against the Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights, expectations for full arenas are high.
As the Sharks strive for playoff positioning, they will need to navigate these injury challenges while capitalizing on the momentum generated by recent wins and increased fan support. The future looks promising as the team heads into a critical stretch of the season.
