Sharks fans got a nice glimpse of the future Saturday night when 2021 first-round pick William Eklund scored in San Jose's 4-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights in the preseason finale at SAP Center.
Eklund, who turns 19 on Tuesday, has impressed during training camp and preseason action and likely will achieve his goal of making the Sharks' opening day roster.
Eklund's first goal of the preseason came less than four minutes into the second period. The Sharks forced a takeaway, and Eklund and Rudolfs Balcers started the break. It originally was a 2-on-2 break, but the two Golden Knights players collided, creating a 2-on-none break that resulted in a nifty give-and-go between the two Sharks players.
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As has been the case for the last few weeks, Sharks coach Bob Boughner was impressed by what he saw from the No. 7 overall draft pick.
Jonathan Dahlen got the scoring started for the Sharks early in the first period Saturday night. Erik Karlsson and Timo Meier were credited with the assists.
Kevin Lebanc made it 2-0 with a wrister in front of the net.
Brent Burns capped the scoring with an incredible goal from the blue line.
Sharks goalie Adin Hill stopped all 25 shots he faced from the Golden Knights. San Jose finished the preseason slate with a 3-2-1 record. They open the 2021-22 NHL regular season at home against the Winnipeg Jets on Oct. 16.
