ANAHEIM, Calif. – The San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks completed what could best be described as a road-and-road series.
Missing a chance to sweep the NHL’s top team in front of a capacity crowd only made it tougher on the Ducks to secure their fourth consecutive playoff berth.
Joe Pavelski and Jonathan Cheechoo scored the tying and go-ahead goals during power plays and the Sharks set a franchise record with their 52nd victory, beating their Pacific Division rivals 3-2 on Sunday night.
“These are fun games to be a part of. I mean, it’s Anaheim. We get up to play those guys and I’m sure they get up to play us,” Cheechoo said. “But they’re all big right now. We want to establish our game, try to build some momentum, play the way we’re supposed to play them, system-wise, and play to our strengths.”
Jeremy Roenick had his first goal in four months, and backup Brian Boucher stopped 19 shots for the Sharks, who lead Boston 115-112 in the race for the NHL’s best record.
San Jose has never won the Presidents’ Trophy, despite recording no fewer than 104 points in four of the last five seasons.
Panthers 4, Penguins 2: At Sunrise, Fla., Bryan McCabe and Rostislav Olesz each had a goal and an assist for Florida.
Blackhawks 1, Blue Jackets 0, OT: At Columbus, Ohio, Kris Versteeg beat fellow rookie star Steve Mason on a breakaway at 3:10 of overtime to give Chicago the victory.
Capitals 6, Thrashers 4: At Washington, Tomas Fleischmann had a goal and an assist for his first multipoint game in nearly two months, and Washington moved into sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference.
Red Wings 3, Wild 2: At Detroit, Marian Hossa scored with 55 seconds left, and Chris Osgood made 20 saves to help Detroit snap a three-game losing streak.
Avalanche 4, Canucks 1: At Vancouver, British Columbia, T.J Galiardi scored twice, Peter Budaj made 20 saves, and Colorado snapped an eight-game losing streak.