The NHL's big fish better be aware of their surroundings, the San Jose Sharks smell blood in the water.

The Sharks moved to within two points of first place in the Pacific Division by defeating the Calgary Flames 5-2 on Thursday night. It was a banner night all around for the surging Sharks. Between milestones, extending point streaks, to staying hot offensively - life is very good in Nor Cal these days.

Tomas Hertl and Evander Kane each scored twice. Brent Burns added a goal and two assists and Martin Jones made 36 saves.

- Burns has nine points (2g 7a) in his last five games, becoming only the 7th defenseman all-time to collect 50 assist in 55 games or less; and the first since 1993-94 (Zubov).

- So far, 2019 has been very kind to Evander Kane. Thirteen of his 23 goals this season have been scored since the calendar changed.

- Jones was solid throughout the game, but was at his best in the third period when he stopped all 12 shots against. Calgary pressed the San Jose cage most of the night. The Flames finished the game with 38 scoring chances, 16 of those were considered to be high-danger chances. Jones stood tall and San Jose skates away will two very big divisional points.

- Joe Thornton picked up an assist for his 1,000th point in a Sharks' sweater. The future Hall of famer now has 1,454 total points (407g 1,047a) in 1,539 career games.

San Jose's won four straight and 11 of 14 since Jan. 1. The only blip on the radar was that bizarre three-game losing streak, in which they gave up six goals in all three defeats.

Thanks for reading,
Steve

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