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Niemi helps Sharks blank Jets

Jan 13, 2012 - 9:04 AM Winnipeg, MB (Sports Network) - Antti Niemi made 24 saves to earn his second shutout of the season and lead the San Jose Sharks to a 2-0 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday.

Logan Couture and Brad Winchester provided the offense for the Sharks, who extended their points streak to seven games (5-0-2).

"We didn't really give up much but when we did Niemi was there to save us," said Couture. "It was a great road win for us."

Ondrej Pavelec allowed the two goals on 37 shots as Winnipeg dropped its fourth game in five tries.

After a scoreless first period, Couture scored the only goal San Jose needed at the 13:36 mark of the second with a one-timer from the slot that ripped into the top-right corner.

Winchester then gave the Sharks a little cushion 2:33 into the third period when he cleaned up a big rebound from an Andrew Desjardins wrister.

Niemi's toughest test was the first period, where he had to make 10 saves and kill off a Jets' power play. The four-year pro then made eight saves in the second while killing off another Winnipeg man advantage and six in the third on the way to his 15th career shutout.

"That's a tough team but we didn't make it real tough for them tonight," Jets forward Andrew Ladd said. "They played a good, solid, all-around defensive game."

Game Notes

Both teams went 0-for-2 on the power play...Couture's goal was his team- leading 18th of the year...Brent Burns, Andrew Murray and Desjardins each had an assist for San Jose.