National Hockey League roundup: Marleau’s 1000th point lifts Sharks

“I was told he is the 83rd player to do this in National Hockey League history”, San Jose assistant coach Bob Boughner said.

Marleau is the Sharks franchise leader in games played (1,349), goals (462), points (1,001), power-play goals (143) and game-winning goals (90).

In addition to scoring all three of the Sharks goals, San Jose’s blueliners put in a few serious ice time against the Penguins.

The San Jose Sharks started the season as one of the league’s surprise teams, going 5-1-0 out of the gate and getting exquisite goaltending from Martin Jones, their offseason acquisition to replace Antti Niemi.

Marleau and defenseman Paul Martin also assisted on Burns’ second goal, the game-winner, with 6:54 left in the second period. Martin spent five years with Pittsburgh and was one of the Pens’ most reliable defensemen last season.

“I just wanted this game to be over as fast as possible and to get a win”, Martin said.

With just one second left in the first of Pavelski’s penalties, Phil Kessel swept in a loose puck from the front lip of the crease for his seventh for the season.

Spott revealed that Micheal Haley would draw back into the Sharks’ lineup, but did not say who was coming out. I think they re generally excited, Spott said. “They just didn’t go in”.

He’s not the first player to hit a major milestone this year; Steven Stamkos became the youngest player since Patrick Kane to hit 500 career NHL points at only 25, Alexander Ovechkin tied (then surpassed) Sergei Fedorov’s record for the most goals scored by a Russian born NHL player, and Jaromir Jagr took sole possession of fourth place for all-time career NHL points (surpassing Ron Francis). But the rebound came right to Burns, whose shot found the net to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead. Teammate Joe Thornton went first overall to the Bruins that year. Marc-Andre Fleury made 26 saves.

Still, when it happened Saturday night during the Sharks’ 3-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, it took him aback a bit and made him reflect.

Marleau has six goals and 12 points in 20 games this season.

Rangers 5, Panthers 4: Rick Nash scored 2:01 into overtime for his third goal of the game, lifting visiting NY.

Columbus led 3-1 after Atkinson’s goal 1:23 into the third, but the Sharks stormed back with help from several key offensive zone faceoff wins.

Senators 4, Flyers 0: Mike Hoffman had a goal and an assist and Craig Anderson made 36 saves for his second consecutive shutout for host Ottawa.

In Winnipeg, Chris Thorburn scored a short-handed goal with 8:51 left, lifting the Jets to the victory.