Pavelski, Donskoi Score In Shootout, Sharks Beat Oilers 2-1
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Joe Pavelski nearly forgot how it felt to win at home. After winning a second straight game in their own building, the San Jose Sharks seem to be getting their swagger back.
Pavelski and Joonas Donskoi each scored during the shootout and Martin Jones stopped both Edmonton shooters to give the San Jose Sharks a 2-1 victory over the Oilers on Thursday night.
"It was a great effort by the guys," Pavelski said. "That's the first time we've won two in a row in a while. Just a little momentum with our game overall. We played well and we get a couple wins."
Marc-Edouard Vlasic scored in the first period and the Sharks won their fourth straight and built a home winning streak for the first time all season.
"It's important to put a couple wins together," Vlasic said. "Now we've got four in a row. We're climbing in the standings. You want to keep it going."
Nail Yakupov scored, but the Oilers fell to 0-4-3 in their last seven road games. Edmonton coach Todd McLellan returned to San Jose for the first time since leaving the team after the end of last season.
"It was odd walking out on the ice but once the game started it felt like a regular game," McLellan said. "I thought our penalty kill rebounded well against a very dangerous team. I know that team well and for us to play the way we did we have to pleased."
Jones stopped 24 of 25 shots for the Sharks while Cam Talbot saved 36 of 37 shots.
"We're feeling comfortable," Sharks center Joe Thornton said. "All four lines have been contributing and Jonesy has been great. We're starting to get our confidence. We didn't have a lot of energy but we brought enough to win. It's a good sign."
Brent Burns took a shot near the end of the overtime that went into the net but did so just after the buzzer.
Vlasic took a pass from Melker Karlsson, skated into an open area and fired the puck over Talbot's right shoulder to put the Sharks ahead midway through the first.
The Oilers tied it midway through the second period on a counter attack. Lauri Korpikoski sent a leading pass to Yakupov, who beat Jones under his right arm.
Yakupov returned to the lineup for the first time since Nov. 25, missing 22 games to an ankle injury. He scored his third goal, all on the road, and the first since netting goals in back-to-back games Oct. 17-18.
"I was fresh I guess and so hungry for the game that I was trying to create some chances and waiting for a chance," Yakupov said. "I happened to get one tonight."
Yakupov nearly had another goal in the third, firing one off the left post that bounced to a Sharks defender.
NOTES: McLellan spent the past seven years leading the Sharks and received an enthusiastic welcome when he was shown on the video board for the first time. ... F Zack Kassian made his Oilers debut after completing a substance abuse program and spending a few days in the AHL. ... Sharks C Joe Thornton has points in 12 of his last 13 games and has 57 points in 52 games against Edmonton. ... Oilers D Justin Schultz recorded an assist and has four points in his last four games. ... The Sharks host the Dallas Stars on Saturday. ... The Oilers return home Saturday to face the Calgary Flames.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.
