San Jose Sharks end five game skid with 3-2 win over Edmonton Oilers - NHL Update
Two struggling teams face off against each other at the Rexall Place on Tuesday, March 12, 2012 but it was the San Jose Sharks who got out of their recent funk with a big 3-2 win over Edmonton Oilers.
The Sharks ended a long and disappointing five-game skid against the Oilers and it could not have come at a better time as they remain just a point off the eighth spot in the Western Conference.
San Jose’s recent poor form has seen them drop down from the top four in the conference to outside the safe zone.
However, they got their act together in this game as Logan Couture’s third period goal after just 38 seconds on the power play helped secure an important two points.
Captain Joe Thornton was relieved with the win and said that the team will take confidence from this win.
"We needed this really bad. We're struggling right now and to come in here and get a big win, every game is so important for us. The playoffs have already started for us. It was just a huge two points for us.
"Hopefully this gives some guys some confidence."
Edmonton Oilers were dominated by the Sharks throughout the game and were outshot 33-22 and were only able to hang in the game thanks to some brilliant goaltending by Devan Dubnyk.
Dubnyk saved 30-shots in this game and without him the Sharks could have won by an even bigger margin.
The Oilers offensive line showed spirit and determination as they came from behind twice to equalise the scores but were unable to manage a third after the Sharks took an early lead in the final period.
Edmonton coach Tom Renney was furious with what he believed was his team giving up in the final period and handing the game to the Sharks on a plate.
"We have a few people who need to look in the mirror here. Because this is unacceptable. You're the Edmonton Oilers. You're a millionaire. You have an opportunity to play the game. Suck it up and play hockey."
San Jose took an early lead in the first period through Torrey Mitchell at 1:07 with assists from Tommy Wingels and Marc-Edouard Vlasic.
The Oilers though took their time and struck back near the end of the period as Ryan Whitney brought the home team level.
Joe Thornton’s second period goal at 11:36 on the power play regained the Sharks lead once again as he beat Dubnyk after collecting a wonderful pass from Patrick Marleau.
However, Edmonton responded once more and they were level three minutes later with Taylor Hall getting on the score sheet.
The Sharks will next face the Calgary Flames on Tuesday, as they look to build on this win while Edmonton will hope to please their coach with a big performance on Wednesday against Columbus Blue Jackets.
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