Karlsson plays 25:05 in Sharks debut; Flames edge San Jose 4-3

SAN JOSE, Calif. — James Neal’s first goal of the pre-season stood up as the winner as the Calgary Flames edged Erik Karlsson and the San Jose Sharks 4-3 on Thursday.

Karlsson was making his Sharks debut after being acquired from Ottawa just before the puck dropped for training camp in a blockbuster trade.

The two-time Norris Trophy-winning defenceman played a team-high 25:05 and helped set up Antti Suomela’s goal to make it 1-0 at 10:24 of the first.

Neal’s goal came at 13:35 of the second and gave Calgary a 4-1 lead before Suomela added his second of the game late in the period.