WASHINGTON (AP) - Joe Pavelski had two goals and two assists against a goalie playing in the NHL for the first time in nearly a year, leading the Sharks past the Capitals 5-3 Monday night, San Jose's 16th victory in its last 17 games against Washington.
Patrick Marleau added two goals, and Brent Burns also scored on Braden Holtby, who was brought up from Hershey of the American Hockey League earlier Monday to make a surprise start for Washington.
Joe Thornton collected three assists for the Pacific Division-leading Sharks, and Thomas Greiss made 39 saves.
HURRICANES 5, CANADIENS 3
MONTREAL (AP) - Jaroslav Spacek scored in his return to Montreal and the Hurricanes snapped the Canadiens' four-game winning streak.
It was the first time that Kirk Muller - who played in Montreal for four seasons and was an assistant coach there for five - coached against the Canadiens.
Captain Eric Staal scored twice for the for the Hurricanes, who and collected at least a point for the fifth straight game (3-0-2). Jiri Tlusty and Jamie McBain had goals as well.
Tomas Plekanec, Erik Cole and David Desharnais replied for Montreal.
Cam Ward stopped 29 shots for his 21st win of the season. Carey Price stopped 30 shots for the Canadiens.