Sharks beat Avalanche 5-1 to boost slim playoff hopes
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Scott Hannan and Chris Tierney scored goals to help the San Jose Sharks keep their slim playoff hopes alive with a 5-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night.
Patrick Marleau also scored and Logan Couture and John Scott added empty-net goals for the Sharks, who have won 13 straight regular-season home games against Colorado. Alex Stalock made 19 saves in his third straight start in place of sick starter Antti Niemi.
Matt Duchene scored a power-play goal for the Avalanche, who began a three-game road trip with a loss. Reto Barra made 25 saves.
The Sharks moved within five points of Winnipeg for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference with five games remaining.