Ekman-Larsson’s Late Goal Leads Coyotes past Sharks, 3-2

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored the go-ahead goal late in the third period and the Arizona Coyotes beat the San Jose Sharks 3-2 on Tuesday night.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson Arizona Coyotes — Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Arizona Coyotes (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Ekman-Larsson’s shot from the heart of the left circle went wide right of the goal but ricocheted off Sharks defenceman Brendan Dillon’s shin and in with 2:37 left in regulation.

Carl Soderberg and Derek Stepan also scored for the Coyotes, who improved to 12-4-3 on the road. They’ve won five of their last eight overall. Darcy Kuemper had 26 saves.

Tomas Hertl scored twice for the Sharks, who are 1-6-1 over their last eight games after winning 11 of their previous 13. Aaron Dell finished with 16 saves.

The Sharks failed to capitalize on a 6-on-3 in the final minute after they pulled Dell and penalties to Arizona’s Ilya Lyubushkin (playing without a helmet) and Brad Richardson (cross-checking).

San Jose trailed 2-1 until Hertl scored his second of the game and fourth in the last three with just over six minutes left in the second. He has 14 on the season.

Soderberg scored his 10th on a backhander from 10 feet out to give the Coyotes an early 1-0 lead in the first.

Carl Soderberg Arizona Coyotes — Carl Soderberg, Arizona Coyotes (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Hertl tied it on a wrist shot off a perfect backhanded pass from Erik Karlsson, who got his 23rd assist on the play.

Stepan’s sixth on a slap shot from short range gave the Coyotes a 2-1 lead midway through the second.

NOTES: F Taylor Hall made his debut for the Coyotes. Hall came along with forward Blake Speers in a trade with the New Jersey Devils on Monday. … G Adin Hill was recalled to replace Antti Raanta (illness) for the Coyotes. … Sharks C Antti Suomela was in the lineup after missing eight games with an undisclosed injury. He hadn’t played since taking a high hit in a game against Los Angeles on Nov. 29. … San Jose D Radim Simek (knee) will practice later this week and could come off the injured reserve before the end of the year.… F Joachim Blichfeld was reassigned to San Jose of the AHL.… Hertl has five points in five games.