Sharks hammer Vancover

In Vancouver, the San Jose Sharks thumped the Canucks, 7-2, for their sixth straight win.

Six skaters had strikes for the Sharks; Evander Kane struck for two goals in the win.

Joe Thornton had an assist, his 1,050th career assist, to pass the legendary Gordie Howe for ninth in the NHL record book.

Evander Kane had two goals in win in Vancouver – File photo by Jack Lima

“There’s really no words to say I am in the dressing room with a guy who is ahead of Gordie Howe now. It’s pretty crazy,” said Sharks forward Logan Couture, who had two assists. “He’s a special player, he’s been a special player for two decades, and I still don’t think he gets the credit he deserves for how world-class a player he has been.”

Kevin Lebanc, Timo Meier, Melker Karlsson, Tomas Hertl, and Joe Pavelskiadded single markers in the win.

The Sharks improved to 34-16-7 and sit atop the Pacific Division now.

“[First place doesn’t mean] as much as what Joe Thornton accomplished,” Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer said. “When you pass Gordie Howe on any list, I don’t care what list it is, that’s the story of the night. That’s an unbelievable accomplishment, unbelievable career, and something that should be really celebrated, and our whole group is excited we were here to witness it.”

Bo Horvat scored after the Sharks had a 3-0 lead and Derrick Pouliot also scored for the Canucks.

[WATCH: All Sharks vs. Canucks highlights]

The Canucks were in a world of hurt with goalies Monday night.  They have no tenders under NHL contract and needed to dip into their prospect list in the Ontario Hockey League.

Michael DiPietro, 19, made his NHL debut and made 17 saves in the loss.

“Definitely not the ideal first game, but it’s something I’ve dreamt about my entire life and to have the opportunity this young to do it, it’s something that’s positive for me, that I’ll take as a learning experience,” DiPietro said. “When you focus on the negatives too much, you’re going to feel like an ant in the net.”

The Canucks dropped to 25-25-7.

“It’s pretty cool taking a look up and seeing Joe Thornton and [Joe] Pavelski across the ice and shooting on me,” DiPietro said. “Obviously, when they score on you, it’s not too good, but I had to pinch myself to just stay in the moment.”