SAN JOSE -- It wasn't expected but the Sharks are more than pleased with a natural hat trick by Marty Havlat in the third period as the Sharks coasted to a 5-1 win over the Avalanche.
Certainly it's been a surprise to see Colorado soar to the top of the NHL standings in a game they desperately wanted to secure the Central Division title.
Havlat himself responded after he was benched against Anaheim in a game where the Sharks were soundly beaten 5-2 securing their first round playoff spot against the LA Kings.
Alex Stalock also made it clear he plans on being in the nets during the postseason. Antti Niemi hasn't been as reliable as in the past and Coach Todd McLellan confirmed to the media that he has two goalies at his disposal.
"(Stalock) didn't make a statement tonight he's made it all year," McLellan said. "Tonight he just added to it. He made some very good saves. We think we have two goaltenders that we can play and we'll be prepared to use both of them if we need to."
In particular, Stalock made two point blank saves on Erik Johnson and PA Parenteau.
As for Havlat responding to being benched, he said, "It doesn't matter who scores. It was a good night tonight. We didn't want to lose but it's how we ended up the regular season and now we get ready for the real season."
It's been tough for Havlat. He's been climbing an uphill battle ever since he hurt himself on a line change back in December of 2011. So for him to be the first star of the game on fan appreciation night was nice to see as well.
And fans welcomed back rookie Tomas Hertl who hadn't played since December. He returned sooner than expected from knee surgery.
Game highlights
Contenders
Martin Havlat - this is a no-brainer, as Havlat gets his sixth career hat trick scoring all of the goals in the third period. He is playing well alongside Patrick Marleau and Logan Couture. The last time Havlat had a hat trick was November 2005 when he netted four goals for Ottowa at Buffalo.
Alex Stalock - He is playing strong between the pipes with a very steady presence in the net. Stalock doesn't get phased and the point blank saves show how confident he is in his ability.
Pretenders
Patrick Bordeleau - scored a goal but also took a 10 minute misconduct penalty with less than two minutes remaining in the game. Tempers were flaring on the ice anyway but there's no doubt, this Avs team has taken on the personality of their coach, Patrick Roy.
Patrick Roy - pulling Jean Sebastien Giguere when his team was already down 4-1 was questionable but then again he figured he's got nothing to lose trying to win that Central division title except giving up another goal. He helped gift wrap the third goal of the night for Havlat on the empty netter.