Sharks gut out Panthers in 4-3 OT opener as Cagnoni scores first NHL goal
The San Jose Sharks defeated the Florida Panthers 4-3 in overtime on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in their season opener at SAP Center. Rookie defenseman Luca Cagnoni scored the game-winning goal at 3:14 of overtime, marking his first NHL goal and the first time in franchise history a player scored their debut goal in overtime. The victory validated general manager Mike Grier’s four-year strategy of building a heavier, more physical roster to compete with elite teams like the Panthers. Will Smith scored twice, including a short-handed goal, while Macklin Celebrini recorded three assists. The Sharks blew a 3-0 lead in the third period but recovered to win, with goalie Yaroslav Askarov making 23 saves. The game featured significant physicality, with the Sharks spending over 10 minutes on the penalty kill. Captain Aleksander Barkov left the Panthers early in the second period due to an injury.
