The Sharks can't seem to beat the bad teams and lost to the Oilers.
April Fool's day!
Well actually that wasn't really a joke because if not for a valiant third period by Team Teal to come back and win it 5-4, the Oilers would have beaten the Sharks and then it'd be San Jose looking foolish.
But thankfully some nifty passing including a kick pass by Joe Pavelski to Joe Thornton setting up Brent Burns near the crease tied the game for the Sharks.
Moments later it was Patrick Marleau skating down the right side and beating Ben Scrivens with a backhander to give the Sharks a victory in a must-win situation.
With only five games left, the Sharks are a game back of Anaheim for first place in the Pacific but the Ducks still at this late stage of the season still have two games in hand.
The Oilers are leaking and have been all season but in the offseason, they could acquire a few players, maybe make a few changes in the front office, and you have the makings of a very good playoff contender in a few years. But for now, the Sharks could not feel sorry for this up in coming squad and had to do whatever it took to get those two points and thankfully, they did. Game highlights
Contenders
Ryan Nugent Hopkins - the 20 year old center celebrates his 21st birthday on April 12. He had a pair of goals and plays with the same kind of enthusiasm and flair that Tomas Hertl has shown with the Sharks. He is a bright spot on an struggling team.
Taylor Hall - A goal and three assists to keep Edmonton in the game, certainly his production cannot be overlooked.
Joe Thornton - two more assists for Jumbo.
Joe Pavelski - the kick assist to Thornton setting up Brent Burns was unreal. Simply a thing of beauty.
Pretenders
David Perron - takes not one but the final two penalties and for a veteran with his experience, that's just inexcusable. But the Sharks don't care, they'll take the early Christmas gift and it resulted in Marleau's game winner on the man advantage.
Goaltenders - Not the best night for either Antti Niemi or Ben Scrivens. At times, Niemi couldn't make a save and seemed to be slightly distracted but he did allow one fewer goal and that's the difference maker.
Notes
The Sharks finished the season series against the Oilers with a 4-1-0 record. In the last 23 games, San Jose is 17-3-3 vs. Edmonton. ... According to Elias, this was the seventh game this season the Sharks had five or more goal scorers. San Jose has scored five or more goals in 14 games this season. ... Patrick Marleau scored his 82nd game winning goal tying him with Mike Bossy for 22nd overall on the all-time game winning goals list. ... Joe Thornton had two assists giving him 850 for his career.
The Sharks face their division rival LA Kings on Thursday and obviously another must-win game if they have any hopes of clinching first place in the Pacific.