Sharks 3, Capitals 2
Ryane Clowe snapped a tie early in the third period and Joe Pavelski recorded a shorthanded goal and an assist as the San Jose Sharks extended their home winning streak to four games Thursday with a 3-2 triumph over the Washington Capitals.
Dany Heatley scored a power-play goal and Antti Niemi made 23 saves for the Sharks, who improved to 11-2-1 in their last 14 overall and have won eight in a row at home against the Capitals.
Clowe knocked down a shot from the left faceoff circle by Kyle Wellwood and backhanded the puck past Michal Neuvirth at 4:27 of the third for his 15th goal of the season. Heatley added breathing room midway through the session, deflecting a shot from the blue line to reach the 20-goal plateau for the eighth time in his career.
Pavelski gave San Jose the lead with 1:11 remaining in the first period, converting a pass from Patrick Marleau with his team down a man. The lead lasted just 22 seconds as All-Star Alex Ovechkin beat Niemi from the top of the slot during the same power play for his team-leading 23rd of the campaign.
Nicklas Backstrom scored a late goal, defenseman John Carlson notched two assists and Ovechkin set up a tally for Washington, which fell to 1-2 on its five-game road trip.