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Smith's Double Powers Sharks Past Canucks in Third-Period Surge

Will Smith scored twice in the third period as the San Jose Sharks overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 at SAP Center.

Knox Esparza· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

October 30, 20262 min read

Hockey Arena Momentum - illustration, Jake Team LLC
NHLFinal
Vancouver Canucks2
San Jose Sharks3

October 29, 2026

Smith Leads Late Rally

Will Smith emerged as the decisive factor for the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, October 29, 2026, scoring two goals in the third period to lead a comeback victory over the Vancouver Canucks. The Sharks, playing at home at the SAP Center at San Jose, secured a 3-2 win before an attendance of 15,442.

Smith’s efforts were crucial in shifting momentum from a team that had trailed by two goals entering the final frame. The performance highlighted the resilience of the home squad, which finished the contest with a record of 7-6-1 and 15 points. Meanwhile, the visiting Canucks dropped to 3-11-1 with 7 points after the loss.

Early Canucks Advantage

The Vancouver Canucks established an early lead that they would hold for the first two periods. Drew O’Connor opened the scoring in the first period with a wrist shot, assisted by Elias Pettersson, giving Vancouver a 1-0 advantage. The Canucks extended their lead in the second period when Liam Ohgren scored on a wrist shot, assisted by Filip Hronek.

This goal made it 2-0 in favor of Vancouver, setting the stage for a potential third-period fightback by San Jose. The Sharks were held scoreless during this span, leaving them chasing the game as they headed into intermission and the final period.

Third-Period Comeback

The Sharks’ offensive surge began in the third period with a goal by Will Smith, assisted by Dmitry Orlov and Mason Marchment, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Smith quickly followed with his second goal of the game, assisted by Macklin Celebrini and Michael Kesselring, to tie the score at 2-2.

The momentum shifted decisively in San Jose’s favor when Mason Marchment scored the winning goal, assisted by Kiefer Sherwood and Nolan Allan, to put the Sharks ahead 3-2. This sequence of events underscored the Sharks’ ability to execute under pressure, as they converted a two-goal deficit into a victory.

The final score remained 3-2 in favor of San Jose, with the period scores reflecting Vancouver’s early dominance and San Jose’s late-game explosion.

Statistic Highlights

Will Smith’s two goals were the primary drivers of the Sharks’ victory, contributing significantly to their offensive output. Mason Marchment added an assist on the game-winning goal, further impacting the result. For the Canucks, Drew O’Connor’s goal and Filip Hronek’s assist were key contributions in the first two periods, though they were not enough to secure a win.

The statistical lines confirm Smith’s impact with two points, while Marchment recorded one assist. The Canucks’ top performers included O’Connor with one goal and point, and Hronek with one assist. The game concluded with the Sharks maintaining their home advantage and improving their standings, while the Canucks continued to struggle on the road.

Sources

ESPN

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Knox Esparza· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

Knox Esparza covers Pleasanton high school and area college sports.

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