The San Jose Sharks are getting hot and that is not good news for the rest of the Pacific Division hopefuls. With Vegas firmly locked into first place and the Sharks seizing hold of that second spot, it may soon be third place of bust for the Ducks, Kings and Flames.

Just when it felt like the Sharks were chum in the water, they pull out two big games this past weekend, including a HUGE comeback in Anaheim.

On Saturday the Sharks fought off the Oilers to lock down two big points. They blew a three-goal first period lead before rebounding and securing the win.

Joakim Ryan scored the first two goals of his NHL career, including the game-winner late in the third period. Joe Pavelski, who is starting to heat up, had four points (2g 2a) and the all-important ENG to seal the win.

That game pales in comparison to the showdown at Honda Center. The Ducks are fighting for their playoff relevance and had a chance to take two big points away for the Sharks, but couldn't hang on.

The Sharks rallied in the final half of the third period with two goals, including a soul crushing blow off the stick of Timo Meier in the final minute of the game with Marty Jones on the bench.

The Sharks execution on the tying goal was a thing of beauty. Anaheim had no chance to clear the puck because of San Jose's puck movement. The flung the puck around with crisp, clean passes until they found a lane to shoot. Meier position himself perfectly and the rest is history.

Logan Couture cut the lead in half at 10:56 of the third period to make it 2-1. He added the clinching goal in the shootout after Pavelski scored in the first round. San Jose scored on their only two attempts in the shootout.

The Sharks will probably do something at the trade deadline to add more offense, but they haven't looked offensively inept of late. The only reason they had to rally last night was because of John Gibson. The Ducks goalie bailed his team out on a number of occasion before eventually cracking.

San Jose peppered the Anaheim net with 40 shots. Jones made 25 saves for the win.

- San Jose picked up their 30th win of the season (30-18-8). They lead Calgary by two point for second in the Pacific. The Kings and Ducks are three points back.

- The Sharks went 3-0-1 against the Ducks this season. Anytime you can take seven of eight possible points from a division rival you doing something right.

- Logan Couture has four points in his lat three games (1g 3a). A healthy Couture is a difference maker for the Sharks. He has 42 points in 52 games this season. Cooch is on pace for 65 points this season. If he gets there is would only be the third time in his career and first time since 2014-15.

- Did I mention Joe Pavelski is a streaky scorer? Captain America has four goals and six points in the last three games. He didn't score against Anaheim ,but he came close several times and of course had one of the Sharks two SO goals.

- Brent Burns is a team high minus-22 this season. Last season he was a career-high plus-19. I know some people don't pay plus/minus much attention, but the contract is startling.

- After a road heavy portion of the their schedule, the Sharks will be seeing more of the Tank in the next few weeks. Thirteen of the next 19 games with be in Northern California and that bodes well for their playoff chances.

Thanks for reading,
Steve

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