Nordstrom's goal lifts Hurricanes to 1-0 victory
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Left winger Joakim Nordstrom scored his first goal of the season midway through the third period to break a scoreless tie as the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the San Jose Sharks 1-0 on Tuesday night at PNC Arena.
Goaltender Cam Ward made 22 saves as the Hurricanes (5-6-4) won back-to-back games for the first time this season.
The outcome ended a three-game winning streak for the Sharks (9-7-0), who've won half of their road games this season but couldn't generate much at the offensive end across the final two periods.
Nordstrom, who has played in every Carolina game this season, followed up an initial shot and was rewarded as the puck got past Sharks goalie Aaron Dell with 9:12 remaining. Nordstrom had gone nine games without recording a point.
The assist went to left winger Viktor Stalberg, his first of the season.
Dell, making his second NHL start, stopped 32 shots in what at times was an outstanding performance.
Ward improved to 6-1 all-time against the Sharks. He has put together consecutive strong outings after holding the Washington Capitals to one goal in Saturday night's victory.
Carolina outshot Sharks 33-22, with more than half of San Jose's shots coming in the first period.
The Sharks were shut out for the third time this season and for the second time in a five-game span.
The Hurricanes have won eight of the last 11 meetings.
The Hurricanes were energized early, putting five shots on goal during one flurry in the first period.
The teams combined for 25 shots in the first period.
It was much different in the second period, with the Sharks unable to register a shot until more than 12 minutes elapsed. The Hurricanes recorded 10 of the 12 shots in the period.
Even though the Hurricanes didn't produce on a power-play chance early in the second period, that seemed to set the tone for an extended stretch.
NOTES: The Hurricanes had D Justin Faulk back in the lineup after he missed three games with an undisclosed upper-body injury. ... Carolina D Brett Pesce turned 22 on Tuesday. ... With the Sharks starting G Aaron Dell, it was the third straight game the Hurricanes faced a backup goalie. ... The Sharks play the fifth contest of a six-game road trip Thursday night at St. Louis. ... The Hurricanes play the fourth contest of a five-game homestand Friday night against Montreal.