SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Patrick Marleau got a fortunate bounce on his tiebreaking, power-play goal early in the third period and the San Jose Sharks went on to beat the Minnesota Wild 3-2 Thursday night.
With Clayton Stoney off for holding, Marleau did a good job settling a pass from Joe Pavelski in the circle and fired a shot that Niklas Backstrom blocked with his pad. But the rebound deflected off Minnesota defender Brent Burns’ leg and right past Backstrom for Marleau’s 28th goal 5 minutes into the final period.
Logan Couture and Jamal Mayers also scored for the Sharks, who have won two straight following a three-game losing streak to stay atop the tight Pacific Division standings.
John Madden and Kyle Brodziak scored for Minnesota and Backstrom made 47 saves as the Wild finished an 0-4 road trip that put a severe dent into their playoff hopes.
