The four days of rest for the non-All Star Game attendees was beneficial for the Sharks and Blackhawks as both teams looked re-energized in the first period.
Just minutes into the period, Ryan Hartman lead a breakaway for the Blackhawks but Martin Jones, fresh off his appearance in the All-Star Game, made an incredible save on Hartman who tried to beat Jones with his backhand.
The Sharks powerplay, which has struggled mightily so far this season, got two looks with the man advantage on two separate hooking calls. Joe Thornton was subtly hooked by Artemi Panarin entering Chicago’s zone which sent the Sharks to their first powerplay of the game.