Boedker, Dell aid Sharks in dumping Jets
WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- Mikkel Boedker's short-handed goal early in the third period helped lead the San Jose Sharks to a 3-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets on Monday.
With the Jets on the power play looking to take the lead in a 1-1 game, rookie Patrik Laine's soft blue line pass was picked off by Logan Couture, who sprung Boedker with the breakaway. The speedy Danish forward made no mistake for his ninth goal of the season at the 7:26 mark of the final frame.
Bryan Little had a glorious chance to put his team in the lead shortly before Boedker scored as he deked out Aaron Dell but slid the puck through the crease. Rookie Josh Morrissey drew a penalty seconds later after he tried to split the defense with a solo rush and was hauled down.
But it would be the Sharks who took advantage of the Jets' power play.
Winnipeg pressed for the equalizer as the clock ticked down but Dell was strong. His biggest save came off a Laine one-timer in the final minute of the play with the Winnipeg net empty in favor of an extra attacker. Dell slid over just in time to get his pad out.
Joe Pavelski scored into the empty net with 25 seconds left in the period to seal the victory.
Mark Scheifele scored with seven seconds left in the game to finish off the scoring.
Dell finished the night with 31 saves in improving his personal record to 9-3-1. That includes a win against the Jets in Winnipeg last month.
Pavelski opened the scoring at 9:45 of the opening period when he crashed the net and jammed home a rebound past Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck. It was the 22nd goal of the season for the San Jose captain.
Less than two minutes later, Morrissey's point blast went through a maze of traffic and beat Dell. Morrissey is enjoying a solid campaign on the blue line and is getting more involved in the offense lately. His goal at 11:27 of the first period was his fourth of the season -- and the second time he lit the lamp against the Sharks.
Joel Armia nearly gave the Jets a lead when he was sent in alone later in the period, but Dell won the battle to keep the game tied.
Two of the NHL's busiest tough guys got in on the act as Chris Thorburn and Micheal Haley dropped their gloves at 16:04 of the first period. It ended up being mostly a wrestling match as each took his 11th fighting major of the season, which puts them in a tie for fourth place overall in the league.
The Jets got an injury scare early in the second period when Toby Enstrom went to the dressing room after blocking a shot with his hand. However, he returned to action a few minutes later, apparently none the worse for wear.
NOTES: Monday's game is the first time in nine games the Jets failed to score at least three goals. ... San Jose has now collected points in nine of their past 10 games, going 6-1-3 during that time. The only regulation loss came on Sunday night in Minnesota. ... Winnipeg has won consecutive games on 12 different occasions this season, but have only managed to put together one three-game winning streak. With Monday's loss, Winnipeg is now 2-18-3 in games when they have a chance to win a third straight. ... Winnipeg is now 0-7-0 this season against the Pacific Division's top teams of San Jose, Anaheim and Edmonton. ... Sharks scratches on Monday were F Kevin Labanc and D David Schlemko. ... The Jets sat G Ondrej Pavelec (knee injury), D Mark Stuart and F Nic Petan.