Photo credit: @SanJoseSharks

By Matthew Harrington

SAN JOSE–Joe Thornton passed Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne for 15th place all-time in career points, but there was very little else for San Jose Sharks fans to enjoy on a heart-and streak-breaking Valentine’s Day. The Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals scored five unanswered goals to end the Sharks’ winning streak at six games in a 5-1 drubbing. T.J. Oshie had two goals and an assist, Alex Ovechkin scored his 646 lifetime goal and Braden Holtby made 25 saves in net for the 2018 Champs.  

Kevin Labanc scored his sixth goal in as many games with the Sharks. Erik Karlsson rejoined the team at practice but did not skate in the contest. Martin Jones made 24 saves in the loss. 

After passing Mr. Hockey Gordie Howe in all-time assists during a four-game Canadian road swing, Jumbo Joe passed another all-time great and former Shark Selanne in points Thursday on a helper (naturally) on Labanc’s first period goal. In true Thornton fashion, Jumbo’s pass was one only he and few others have the ability to make. It was so perfect, it left Labanc facing an empty net for an easy goal and a 1-0 lead 2:06 into the first. 

Oshie responded on the power play just 1:32 later than Jakub Vrana scored his 18th of the year with 8:27 in track meet of a first period. San Jose controlled most of opening minutes of the second, but Alexander Ovechkin did what he does best, sniping a one-timer from the dot 4:14 into the second. A missed chance with just under two minutes left in the 2nd by Evander Kane became an odd man rush the other way  that Brent Burns bungled, allowing Oshie to dangle past Jones his second on the night and 18th of the year and a 4-1 Caps edge. Tom Wilson got the empty-netter for the 5-1 final. 

Next up for the Sharks is a stretch of games at home against playoff hopefuls. Vancouver comes to the tank Saturday in a rematch of Monday’s Sharks blowout, then the Boston Bruins make a visit to SAP or the first part of the home-and-home season series against team Teal.