Big games from rookies, Donskoi help Sharks rout Ducks

ANAHEIM – Antti Suomela and Rourke Chartier made their moves Thursday night.

With the Sharks’ season opener fast approaching and only few roster spots up for grabs, the two young centers joined Joonas Donskoi as three-point performers in 7-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center.

Suomela had two goals and an assist. Chartier, 22, who scored a goal Tuesday night in the exhibition, had three assists as the Sharks broke from a 3-3 tie.

Two concussions in 2017 limited Chartier to 28 games in the AHL last season. Sharks coach Peter DeBoer said there were questions about Chartier’s health coming into camp, but he has answered them all.

“He’s probably been the one guy in camp that has really shown up and really grabbed our attention,” DeBoer said. “He came in healthy and he’s been fantastic.”

Suomela is more of a mystery. He spent the past three years playing in the top professional league in Finland. He had 60 points in 59 games last season, impressive enough for the Sharks to sign him to a one-year, $925,000 deal in June.

He’s beginning to look like a bargain.

Centering the third line with fellow countryman Donskoi and Kevin Labanc on Thursday, Suomela scored San Jose’s first goal on a redirection.

Labanc passed the puck back to defenseman Joakim Ryan, who sent a slap shot toward the Anaheim net. Positioned at the right hash mark, Suomela stuck out his blade and deftly elevated the puck over the glove of Ducks goalie Ryan Miller.

“He came into camp and you can see the skill level, but I think as he’s gotten more comfortable, he’s gotten more confidence, he’s making more plays,” DeBoer said. “You saw him get rewarded tonight, so that was nice.”

Suomela acknowledged that he felt more comfortable than he did Tuesday night in the Sharks’ 4-1 win against Anaheim in San Jose.

“The last game was my first game in four months, so it’s always difficult,” he said. “Tonight’s game was a little easier.”

Suomela’s ice awareness was on display during the second scoring play.

He chased down a loose puck along the boards in neutral ice and made a quick pass to Donskoi, springing a 2-on-1. Donskoi slid the puck to Labanc, who hit the top right corner to tie the score 2-2.

DeBoer said that was a prime example of Suomela’s playmaking ability, and he has impressed in other ways too.

“Defensively, he’s been real solid, which is key,” DeBoer said. “When you’re a young guy coming into this league, coach has to trust you, and he’s done a good job away from the puck.”

The Sharks will return to SAP Center on Saturday night to host the defending Western Conference champion Vegas Golden Knights.

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