San Jose Sharks Somehow Down Flames In Overtime

Martin Jones made a career-high 47 saves in stealing two points for San Jose.

Hockey is a weird game sometimes and the San Jose Sharks found that out on Monday night. In a game in which they were thoroughly dominated, San Jose found a way to secure two points as Joe Pavelski’s 30th goal of the season 19 seconds into overtime gave the Sharks a 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames.

Make no mistake, this game belonged to Martin Jones who was phenomenal in stealing this game for San Jose. Jones made 47 stops in this one, all in regulation, as he was clearly the best player in teal.

After being named the NHL’s third star for last week, Brent Burns got the Sharks off and running in the early going as he continued his hot streak. After his initial shot was saved up in the air by Flames netminder Joni Ortio, the puck came back out to Burns who picked the far side, top corner for his 24th goal of the season just 1:56 into the contest.

It was the fourth consecutive game in which Burns found the back of the net which is a new franchise record by a defensemen.

However, similar to their last game against Vancouver, San Jose hit a lull in the opening 20 minutes and continued their problem of heading to the penalty box. The Sharks took three minor penalties in the first, including 24 seconds of 5-on-3 following infractions against Brenden Dillon and Melker Karlsson.

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But standing in the way of the Flames attackers was Jones who bailed out his teammates all night long. Jones would make six of his 12 first-period saves on the penalty kill as the Sharks took their 1-0 lead into the dressing room.

In the middle frame, San Jose would rely heavily upon Jones once more as the Sharks would take four more penalties in the second. He would be called upon to make 18 saves as the Flames dominated the Sharks but couldn’t break through against Jones who was on his game.

San Jose was only able to muster four shots on goal during the second as the Sharks were fortunate enough to hold on to the lead.

While the Sharks were able to generate some semblance of offense in the third, it was much of the same from Calgary and Jones over the course of the final 20 minutes. Every Flames rush up the ice was thwarted by Jones who single-handedly kept San Jose in this contest.

But the Sharks played with fire on one too many occasions on this night as Joel Colborne tipped home his 12th goal of the year on Calgary’s seventh power-play opportunity of the night.

With the game heading into overtime, San Jose needed just one chance to secure the extra point as Pavelski tapped one past Ortio with assists going to Burns and Joe Thornton. The goal ensured the fourth 30-goal campaign of Pavelski’s career, while Burns completed the Gordie Howe hat trick.

Next: Jones Edges Thornton For Player Of The Month

Somehow, some way, because of the exploits of Jones, the Sharks were able to take home two more valuable points. He certainly earned a night off tomorrow when San Jose travels to Edmonton to take on the Oilers as they hope to sweep the back-to-back before some much needed time at home.