Boyle Leads Sharks Past Islanders
SAN JOSE (AP) -- Dan Boyle scored the tying goal on a second-period power play and added the shootout clincher in the San Jose Sharks' 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders on Thursday night.
Antero Niittymaki made 24 saves to help the Sharks record a point for the fifth straight home game.
Dwayne Roloson stopped 37 shots and P.J. Parenteau scored for the Islanders. They lost their ninth straight game, but did earn a point for the first time since Oct. 21.
San Jose star Joe Thornton returned after serving a two-game suspension for a blind-side hit. He failed to score a point for the third consecutive game.
Parenteau scored at 4:51 of the second period to give the Islanders their first lead during their losing streak. He beat a defender to the puck behind the net, skated around and fired a shot from the slot into the upper-right corner past Niittymaki.
Jack Hillen earned an assist on the goal, snapping a six-game scoreless streak.
Boyle tied with 5:34 left in the period on a 5-on-3 power play. Crisp passing between Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski gave Boyle a small opening to Roloson's glove side.
Roloson, playing his fourth straight game, was temporarily stunned by Boyle's shot that bounced off his chest and hit up under his helmet. The 41-year-old goalie also took a puck off his mask.
Roloson was spectacular throughout the contest, but he couldn't stop Logan Couture's opening shootout goal, while Niittymaki stopped both attempts he faced.
Boyle then ended the game with his goal in the third round of the tiebreaker.
NOTES: Roloson entered the game with a career 3.02 goal-against average in 18 games against the Sharks. ... San Jose F Ryane Clowe is one assist shy of 100. ... Islanders C John Tavares recorded his second assist in two games against San Jose.
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