By: Joe Lami

AP photo: San Jose Sharks Michael Haley left and the Vancouver Canucks Derek Dorsett mix it up in the second period during Thursday game at Rogers Center

VANCOUVER, B.C.—For the second time this week, the San Jose Sharks were able to turn a first period deficit into two points at Rogers Arena. Great goaltending was once again the answer for the Sharks, as Vancouver native, Martin Jones saved 28 shots in Thursday night’s 3-2 win. “It’s huge, very huge. He’s been doing it all year for us and especially in his hometown here to do it again. It’s nice knowing he’s back there having our back,” added Marleau

The Canucks jumped on the Sharks early in the first period, trying to avenge Sunday afternoon’s loss, by going up 2-0. Jake Virtanen was feeling it for Vancouver lighting the lamp 7:14 into the contest. Dan Hamhuis, who wasn’t traded at the deadline despite speculation, picked up his seventh assist of the year on the wrap-around goal. His defensive partner, Chris Tanev picked up the other helper.

Vancouver was able to add to the lead, thanks again to the Virtanen line. Sven Baertschi scored his 13th goal of the season on a tip out in front with help coming from Hamhuis and Virtanen picking up their second points of the contest.

Despite just seeing five shifts in the first period, Virtanen was critical to the Canucks success, creating three separate scoring chances with two of them finding their way past Martin Jones, helping him earn the second star of the contest.

The Sharks were dominated in the first by Vancouver, being outshot 15-7, but it was Jones that kept them in the contest. However, they came out strong in the second, putting up eight shots in the first 100-seconds of the period. The hard work would finally pay-off half way through the period when Thomas Hertl got a stick on a Brent Burns wrist shot to make it 2-1 Canucks. “We knew after that first, it wasn’t where it needed to be, and we needed to win a period and did that in the second,” said captain, Joe Pavelski.

The goal marked his 16th of the season, a new season for the young Czech forward who will represent his country at the World Cup of Hockey later this year.

With five minutes remaining in the second frame, the 18,422 fans at Rogers enjoyed a heavy-weight bout between Derek Dorsett and recently recalled Shark, Micheal Haley. Both men through punches back and forth in a spirited brawl. Haley caught the worse of the two and went in for repairs, needing stitches under his left eye.

With .57 seconds remaining in the second period, Daniel Sedin went off for high-sticking Logan Couture behind the Sharks net. The first power play unit went to work but was unable to find the net before the horn sounded.  However, the power play was able to carry their momentum into the third, scoring .43 seconds into the period.

Brent Burns ripped a shot from the point with Pavelski screening Ryan Miller in front. The puck was able to make it was through the jumping Pavelski and past Miller to tie the game up at two.

San Jose had all of the mojo and was able to take the lead just five minutes later. Patrick Marleau found the net on the rush after a beautiful feed from Joonas Donskoi for his 19th goal of the season. This would be the eventual game winner and the 92nd of his career, tying him for 12th all-time.

The Sharks and Canucks continue their crazy schedule as both teams head back to Silicon Valley on Saturday night. There is a possibility that recently acquired goaltender, James Reimer sees his first start as a Shark, “I know we can’t wear [Jones] out either, he’s played a lot of hockey for us and was outstanding tonight,” said head coach Peter Deboer.