Sharks top Panthers for third win in row

Joe Pavelski scored the decisive goal in the shootout and the Sharks beat Florida 2-1 on Thursday for their third straight victory.

The Sharks also won their third straight road game, improving to 20-8-2 away from SAP Center.

San Jose’s road play has helped it stay competitive in the Pacific Division despite an 11-12-3 home record.

The teams totaled just four shots on goal in the third period, with Logan Couture scoring on the Sharks’ lone shot.

“We stuck with it and found a way, which is what we’ve been doing lately,” Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer said.

Joe Thornton passed from behind the net to Couture in the slot, and his shot beat goalie Al Montoya.

The goal was his 740th, putting him one behind Brett Hull for third place in NHL history.

Sharks center Tommy Wingels left in the first period with an unspecified injury and did not return.