SAN JOSE –– The Boston Bruins fell 3-1 to the San Jose Sharks on Sunday at SAP Center. While the B’s found their footing in the latter half of the matchup, penalties prevented them from completing a comeback.

A look at the top Bruins and Sharks performers from a Sunday night head-to-head out at the SAP Center in San Jose.

The Boston Bruins ended their California road trip with a 3-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Sunday. Boston was coming off a 2-1 overtime win over the Los Angeles Kings on Friday, but on Sunday, the Bruins’ offense struggled.

NHL: Shakir Mukhamadullin, Macklin Celebrini and Collin Graf score as the San Jose Sharks finish homestand with win over Boston Bruins

SAN JOSE -- Yaroslav Askarov made 34 saves to lead the San Jose Sharks to a 3-1 victory over the Boston Bruins at SAP Center on Sunday. "It's way more fun. We started winning more games," Askarov said. "You're going to bed, you're smiling. You wake up, you're still smiling. It's a great feeling."

Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks displayed a "good moment of growth" in Sunday's big bounce-back win against the Boston Bruins.

The biggest priority for the Sharks, if they intend to open an extended window to win, is ensuring their young core – particularly their defensemen – continues to improve and develop. With that in mind, the Sharks’ 3-1 victory over the Boston Bruins on Sunday was more than a little encouraging.

San Jose defenseman Dmitry Orlov speaks with reporters after the Sharks' 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins on Sunday at SAP Center.Dmitry Orlov describes massive hit to help set tone for Sharks' win over

The Bruins finished the California portion of a road trip but have a Wednesday stop on Long Island to play the Islanders before returning to Boston for a Friday matinee vs. the Rangers.

The Bruins took six penalties on Sunday and a Sharks' power-play goal stood up as the game-winner. But the parade to the box kept the B's from getting much offensive momentum.

The Bruins have taken 22 more minor penalties than the next-highest NHL team. It's taking a toll on their play.