Patrick Marleau saved the game in overtime and scored the winner in the shootout for the San Jose Sharks, who won their franchise-record ninth straight game, 3-2 over the Minnesota Wild yesterday in St. Paul.
Marleau knocked Marian Gaborik's last-minute shot out of the air and out of danger to preserve the tie and set up the shootout. Joe Pavelski scored first for the Sharks and Marleau wrapped it up for the visitors after a nifty 360-degree spin move by Pierre-Marc Bouchard gave the Wild a chance.
They were behind all afternoon until Brian Rolston's 26th goal in the final minute of regulation tied the game, 2-2.
San Jose's Evgeni Nabokov was as good as ever, playing in his league-leading 66th game and making 21 saves - plus two big blocks in the shootout.
Tomas Plihal scored on a penalty shot, the first allowed at home in Minnesota's seven-year history, and Milan Michalek also scored in the first period for the Sharks. Seven of their wins on this streak have, fittingly, come away from home. They lead the NHL with a 24-8-3 road mark.
Penguins 4, Capitals 2 - Visiting Pittsburgh scored two goals in the final 30 seconds to beat Washington and move within a point of first-place New Jersey in the Atlantic Division.
In a crowd in front of the crease and with the score tied, 2-2, Washington's Nicklas Backstrom shot a loose puck into his own net. The puck appeared to hit Sidney Crosby's skate along the way, giving the reigning league MVP his second goal of the game and 22d of the season.
Ducks 3, Canadiens 1 - Chris Kunitz scored the go-ahead goal with 7:24 remaining and Anaheim tied a franchise record by extending its home winning streak to seven games by beating Montreal.
Stars 3, Avalanche 0 - Marty Turco made 19 saves for his 33d career shutout, Brad Richards notched his first goal in a Dallas uniform, and the Stars ended a three-game losing streak with a win over visiting Colorado.
Red Wings 4, Predators 3 - Johan Franzen scored two power-play goals and Detroit held on for a victory over Nashville at Joe Louis Arena.
Oilers 6, Blackhawks 5 - Andrew Cogliano tipped in his second goal of the game at 3:01 of overtime, giving Edmonton the victory at Chicago.
Blue Jackets 5, Lightning 3 - Jason Chimera scored a power-play goal with 3:44 remaining as Columbus beat Tampa Bay to snap a seven-game home winless streak.
