San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl (48) trips as he chases after the puck against Montreal Canadiens left wing Paul Byron (41) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

By Matthew Harrington

SAN JOSE–When you’ve hit a bit of a skid at home, few teams would want to welcome the winningest franchise in National Hockey League history to the barn to course correct. The San Jose Sharks, on the other hand, would gladly roll out the red carpet for the Montreal Canadiens and their 24 banners. Following a decisive 5-2 win by the San Jose Sharks Tuesday night, the Rogue, Blanc et Bleu remain completely defeated at the SAP Center since 1993.

San Jose entered play winners of only one of their only one of their first four games, but used a two-goal night from Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski’s first goal of the year to thump the Canadiens. Couture led the charge with three points, while Pavelski (1 g, 1a), Joe Thornton (1g, 1a) and Tomas Hertl (1g, 1a) picked up two points each. Tim Heed picked up his first career point on an assist while Martin Jones made 28 saves in the win.

Couture opened the scoring 3:50 into the game, using a fortuitous bounce in the process. Justin Braun ripped a point shot that ricocheted off Hertl’s skate in the slot. Couture was able to corral the puck on the post to goalie Carey Price’s left and work the puck around the All-world goalie for his second of the year.

Montreal answered in a hurry, scoring just 16 seconds later. Offseason trade acquisition Jonathan Drouin proved why he was such a coveted asset, taking Arturri Lehkonen’s pass into the slot up over Jones’ glove on a quick release for his second goal with Montreal.

The Sharks captain sparked a three-goal second period with his first goal of the year just 50 seconds into the middle frame. Pavelski, usually the one stationed in the crease for a goal, benefited from linemate Joe Thornton’s screen of Price. The Plover, Wisc. Native’s wrist shot beat Price for a 2-1 lead.

San Jose added to its lead in the waning moments of a 5-on-3 power play after Tomas Hertl deposited a puck in the blue paint behind Price 8:05 into the middle period. After Shea Weber scored a power play strike of his own 9:23 from the second intermission, Couture restored the Sharks second power play goal of the night at the 13:24 mark.

The Canadiens coach Claude Julien challenged the goal for goaltender interference after Couture managed to score on a scramble. The officials in Toronto deemed the goal good, giving San Jose a 4-2 lead and Tim Heed his first career point. In total, the Sharks went two for seven on the power play while killing off three of four Canadien penalties.

Joe Thornton, robbed of what appeared to be a goalmouth tip on what wound up being Pavelski’s goal, picked up his first of the season eventually. After originally trying to pass to a teammate in true Thornton fashion, the future Hall of Famer hit the empty-netter for a 5-2 Sharks lead.

After a five-game homestand to start the season, the Sharks finally get their first taste of the road. The Sharks face the New Jersey Devils, traveling across three time zones for their first game away from SAP. Puck drops Friday for the contest.