Sharks takeaways: What we learned in frustrating 3-2 loss to Rangers

BOX SCORE

The Sharks extended their losing streak to three games Saturday night, as they fell 3-2 to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. 

San Jose (26-31-4) found itself in a one-goal hole with slightly more than nine minutes to go in the first period. But toward the end of the frame, Joe Thornton evened the score with a marker of his own. 

Thornton wound up scoring two goals, but that wasn't enough for the Sharks against the Rangers (33-24-4).

Here are three takeaways from the Sharks' defeat at MSG. 

Jumbo Joe comes up big

As Thornton finds his name in trade rumors, the 40-year-old quieted the noise Saturday in the Big Apple. He entered the day with two goals this season, and doubled that in one game. 

Thornton evened the score in the first period by hammering the puck into the back of the net with just over two minutes remaining in the first period. 

Jumbo ties the game 👏 pic.twitter.com/FMmu8GNCwg

— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) February 23, 2020

Thornton gave San Jose the lead in a much different way one period later, deflecting Brent Burns' shot attempt into the net.

Jumbo ties the game 👏 pic.twitter.com/FMmu8GNCwg

— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) February 23, 2020

Scoring in New York is quite the rarity for Thornton, too. His first period-goal snapped a 50-game goal-less streak on the road in the regular season, and it was his first goal at Madison Square Garden since Dec. 8, 2002. 

Kane's rough return

Evander Kane returned from his three-game suspension and was quite rusty. The Sharks winger missed on a short-handed breakaway goal attempt, but credit goes to Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin. 

Evander Kane gets a short-handed breakaway, but Igor Shesterkin makes the save #NYR pic.twitter.com/ylgtw5HHOw

— Shayna (@shaynagoldman_) February 23, 2020

Kane's two turnovers are what really hurt the Sharks. Sharks goalie Aaron Dell allowed three goals on 33 shot attempts in the loss. The first two goals, however, came right after turnovers from Kane.

Throughout the third period, Kane was nowhere to be found on the ice, as he stayed on the Sharks' bench.

Ferraro survives scare

Mario Ferraro has been a bright spot in the Sharks' down season. San Jose's injury-plagued campaign looked like it would continue in the wrong way Saturday, as Ferraro left the ice in the second period. 

Mario Ferraro went off with Ray Tufts to the #SJSharks locker room. Wondering if this collision behind the net is why. He did finish his shift. pic.twitter.com/8TPvKVZHjS

— TEAL TOWN USA - A San Jose Sharks Podcast (@TEALTOWNUSA) February 23, 2020

Ferraro missed a large chunk of the second period. The good news is that he returned at the start of the third.

The 21-year-old was credited with an assist on Thornton's first goal, and he continues to be someone San Jose can rely on in the present and possibly the future.

Programming Note: The "2020 NHL Trade Deadline Show" is coming your way this Monday, Feb. 24 at 11:30 a.m. PT on the MyTeams app and on NBCSportsBayArea.com! How will the Sharks be impacted heading into the noon deadline? Don’t miss it!