A San Jose Sharks Blog

In the first period, the Sharks got off to a slow start. Much of the play was dictated by the Stars as they racked up 11 shots on net. Fortunately, Evgeni Nabokov was up to the task showing that the game against Phoenix was just a temporary slip and nothing more. Though Nabby stopped almost everything that came at him, Dallas was able to put one by him. After making a number of crucial saves, Number 20 was finally beaten by Brendan Morrow's shot off a rebound.

Fortunately, in the second period, the Sharks got on the board early. At 3:48, Joe Pavelski scored his 18th goal of the season on the powerplay. Thanks to a nice cross-ice pass from Patrick Marleau, Pavelski was able to get a one-timer past Marty Turco who usually dominates in San Jose. Later in the period, the Stars got a powerplay goal of their own and at the end of 40 minutes, Dallas still held the one goal lead.

In the third period, Jumbo Joe decided to take things over. When Number 19 is on his game, it feels like nothing can stop him. The way he controls the puck and generates scoring chances always amazes me because it's simply not that easy to do. However, recently, it hasn't been Thornton's passing that has made the difference, it's been his scoring. Six minutes into the third period, Thornton scored his 25th goal of the season on a nice pass from Mike Grier. On the play, the Sharks were in the middle of a line change when Patrick Rissmiller chipped the puck into the offensive zone. Grier chased down the puck and then spotted Joe skating down the high slot all alone. With a quick one-timer, Thornton beat Turco and tied the game. This was the only goal scored in the third which brought both teams to overtime.

In OT, the Sharks were given a huge two-man advantage. The first penalty was on Turco who slashed Pavelski across the face...this was a double minor. Then, 1:45 later, Trevor Daley was sent to the box for hooking. This scenario led to a five on three. On the winning play, Jumbo Joe sent a crisp pass towards the crease where Captain Patrick Marleau appeared to redirect it in for the win. However, the pass must have gone off of a Star's stick because the official score sheet gave the goal to Thornton, his second of the night and 26th on the season.

Thanks to another strong performance by Joe Thornton, the San Jose Sharks are one step closer to locking up the Pacific Division Title. In fact, with a win tonight against the Ducks, Team Teal and its fans will be guaranteed a new Pacific Division banner come next year.