Sharks win 4th straight to improve playoff hopes, beating the Maple Leafs 4-1

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San Jose Sharks defenseman Dmitry Orlov (9) collides with Toronto Maple Leafs center Bo Groulx (29) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Thursday, April 2, 2026. (AP Photo/John Hefti)

San Jose Sharks center Zack Ostapchuk, obscured, is congratulated by right wing Adam Gaudette (81) and teammates after he after scored a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Thursday, April 2, 2026. (AP Photo/John Hefti) — San Jose Sharks defenseman Dmitry Orlov (9) collides with Toronto Maple Leafs center Bo Groulx (29) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Thursday, April 2, 2026. (AP Photo/John Hefti)

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9:46 PM on Thursday, April 2

By MICHAEL WAGAMAN

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Zack Ostapchuk scored his first goal in nearly three months and the San Jose Sharks beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1 on Thursday night for their fourth straight victory.

Collin Graf, William Eklund and Adam Gaudette also scored and Alex Nedeljkovic made 18 saves.

San Jose holds the second wild-card spot in the crowded Western Conference, with Nashville and Los Angeles even in points but each with one more game. The Sharks had the worst record in the NHL last season and haven’t made the playoffs since 2018-19.

Sharks star Macklin Celebrini was scoreless after having nine points in his previous three games.

John Tavares scored a power-play goal for Toronto. The Maple Leafs have lost two of three on a four-game trip.

Up next

Maple Leafs: At Los Angeles on Saturday.

Sharks: Host Nashville on Saturday night.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl