Patrick Marleau played like a beast for the Sharks in their 6-3 drubbing of the conference-leading Los Angeles Kings, who came into the affair riding a six-game win streak. The Kings may be perfect while skating on home ice this season, but HP Pavilion spelled their doom on Monday night. The best possible thing that could happen for San Jose happened when they beat the Kings: slow them down a little bit. Just remind them, "Hey, we're the Sharks. We generally dominate this division." They are who they thought we were and that whole shindig.
Marleau was good for a goal and two assists in the win, giving Antero Niittymaki the goal support he needed, relinquishing three and getting thirty-two saves. Dany Heatley put an insurance goal into the net at 4-3, 7:49 in the third period. He also grabbed an assist, the same with the recently-resurgent Joe Pavelski, who has been largely invisible when it comes to points lately.
Torrey Mitchell, Ryane Clowe, and Scott Nichol all picked up important goals for the Sharks. Before the game, consistency was the big issue. Now it looks like that has been addressed, for the time being. Those six lit up Jonathan Bernier, who made 28 saves in the defeat.
Ryan Smyth, Jarret Stoll and Scott Parse scored for the Kings, who had a six- game win streak snapped. The Sharks improved to 6-2-2 at HP Pavilion thus far this season. Marleau has 30 goals and 65 points in 73 career games against LA. He also picked up his 100th power play goal in his career, all of which for the Sharks. Bernier faced San Jose for the first time in his career.