In San Jose, the Florida Panthers managed a 6-5 overtime victory over the Sharks.
In the win, Jaromir Jagr picked up his 1,900th NHL point.
Jaromir Jagr picked up 1900th career NHL point – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
Jonathan Huberdeau scored the game-winner for the Panthers in extra time.
“We had a good forecheck out there,” Huberdeau said. “It’s 3-on-3, so we got a lot of opportunities, a lot of things open. I think we took advantage. Maybe they were tired or something.”
Nick Bjugstad and Aleksander Barkov scored two goals apiece in the win that pushed the Panthers to 25-20-10; they now trail the Toronto Maple Leafs by just three points for the second wild card spot.
Jussi Jokinen also scored for the Panthers.
The Panthers almost gave the game away late as they led the Sharks, 5-3, with just about four minutes left in regulation.
“We got to finish it when we have a 5-3 lead with four minutes to go,” Jagr said. “We got to learn how to shut it down. We’re probably too young and too excited. We just have to be … more responsible. It was a good win for us, but we have to learn from that.”
Joe Pavelski rescued the Sharks with two goals in the final four minutes to force extra time.
“We don’t want to sacrifice defense for scoring. We have enough guys in here who can score when they get the chances,” Pavelski said. “We can win games 3-2, 2-1. And that’s what gets it done at the end of the season. We’re coming up to that point, and it’s going to be a big commitment to do it the right way and limit their chances.”
Martin Jones took the loss on 16 saves.
“They made some good plays. Obviously we want to be tighter, but sometimes you need a big save from your goalie. I just couldn’t make the big one tonight,” Jones said.
WATCH: All Panthers vs. Sharks highlights
Brent Burns, Joel Ward, and Marc-Edouard Vlasic also scored for the Sharks.
Roberto Luongo left got the start but was pulled after the Sharks tied the game; James Reimer finished up the match.
“I don’t know if we think we’re going to be scoring six or seven goals every night. I kind of doubt that. I’m sure [Martin] Jones would take a couple of those goals back,” Florida head coach Tom Rowe said. “He’s a great goaltender. We caught him on a couple of those lucky ones for us. We got a good offensive team. The thing we’re more concerned about is shutting teams down now.”
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