Coyotes blank reeling Sharks
Mar 11, 2012, 5:10 AM | Updated: 5:11 am
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Mike Smith stopped 42 shots and Mikkel
Boedker and Michael Stone scored second-period goals and the
Phoenix Coyotes defeated the San Jose Sharks 3-0 Saturday.
Raffi Torres added his 12th goal of the season early in the third
period for Phoenix, which ended a five-game losing streak. The
Coyotes have 78 points and are in seventh place in the Western
Conference.
Smith earned his 16th career shutout, and the fifth this season.
Smith’s previous shutout was Feb. 16 against the Kings.
Antti Niemi made 26 saves for San Jose, which has lost five straight
and seven of its past eight games. The Sharks have 75 points and
trail eighth-place Colorado by one point in the West.
The Coyotes broke the scoreless tie late in the second period.
First, Niemi kicked Stone’s shot from the right in the slot, and
Boedker connected on the rebound at 13:58.
Later in the period, Stone’s drive from the right point clanked off
the post and behind Niemi for his first NHL goal at 18:10.
Both teams entered the game 0-for-March. Phoenix last won on
Feb. 28 over Vancouver while the Sharks’ previous win was a 1-0
victory over the Flyers on Feb. 28.
Applying more pressure early, the Coyotes outshot the Sharks 6-1
in the first five minutes. Phoenix had the best chance to score
throughout a scoreless opening period but captain Shane Doan’s
breakaway was stopped by Niemi just over 8 minutes into the
game.
NOTES: Phoenix D Rostislav Klesla returned after missing nine
games. . Sharks forward Joe Thornton has two goals in past 15
games. … Boedker’s goal was his second in his past 32 games.
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