ANAHEIM -- John Carlson scored his first NHL hat trick for the Anaheim Ducks in a 6-1 win against the San Jose Sharks at Honda Center on Thursday. The defenseman, in his 17th NHL season, was acquired from the Washington Capitals on March 5 for a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.

The clock is ticking for the San Jose Sharks to get into a playoff position, and they will try to make up ground when they host the Vancouver Canucks in Saturday night's home finale.

The San Jose Sharks received a different lesson Thursday night as their NHL playoff hopes now are on life support after losing to the Anaheim Ducks.

On a Ducks breakout, Sharks defenseman Nick Leddy tried to pinch down on winger Chris Kreider in the Anaheim zone. But Kreider was able to direct a pass to Carlsson, who carried the puck into the Sharks’ zone, danced past winger Ty Dellandrea, and roofed a shot past Askarov.

Vancouver Canucks (22-48-8, in the Pacific Division) vs. San Jose Sharks (37-34-7, in the Pacific Division) San Jose, California; Saturday, 10 p.m. EDT. BOTTOM LINE: The Vancouver

The Vancouver Canucks are back in action on Saturday against the San Jose Sharks, beginning a back-to-back weekend to wrap up their swing through California. Saturday’s game will be the fourth and final matchup of the season between the Canucks and Sharks.

The Sharks’ goaltending looks set for next season, while the defense corps, with only two players signed past this season, figures to undergo a considerable makeover this summer. Up front, the Sharks have a ton of young skill and some players who play a physical brand, but do they have enough players who combine both qualities?

Edmonton Oilers (39-29-10, in the Pacific Division) vs. San Jose Sharks (37-32-7, in the Pacific Division) San Jose, California; Wednesday, 10 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Oilers -124, Sharks +104;