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Sharks edge Blue Jackets

Jan 6, 2012 - 7:36 AM San Jose, CA (Sports Network) - Joe Thornton scored the go-ahead goal in the second period and Thomas Greiss made 23 saves, leading the San Jose Sharks to a 2-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday.

Ryane Clowe also scored for San Jose, tying the game in the first period after Columbus had taken an early lead. Greiss, playing in his ninth game of the season, made 14 saves over the last two periods to shut the Blue Jackets down.

The Sharks improved to 7-1-1 in their last nine games and won for the 11th time in their last 16 meetings with Columbus.

Vinny Prospal scored for Columbus and Curtis Sanford gave up two goals on 39 shots in a tough loss, stopping all nine he faced in the third period as the Sharks looked for some breathing room.

"We wanted to get that third (goal)," said Thornton, "but their goaltender played really good tonight."

The Blue Jackets started a four-game road trip and fell to 2-8-2 in their last 12. They did not have a power play in the game.

Meanwhile, the Sharks had six minutes of power play in the first period alone -- all on high-sticking calls against Blue Jackets forward Ryan Johansen. Clowe scored while the Sharks were on a power play for a double-minor on Johansen.

"That gives them life and really jump-started them," said Columbus head coach Scott Arniel.

The Blue Jackets, who have an NHL-low 25 points, took a 1-0 lead just 2:13 into the game when Prospal was on the doorstep to take a pass from Mark Letestu behind the net, slamming it home.

Clowe tied the game on a power play at 13:03 of the first period, slipping into the slot for a loose puck in front.

Thornton, despite two defenders in the vicinity, slapped a rebound past Sanford from the right side of the net to give the Sharks their 2-1 lead 4:44 into the second period.

Game Notes

The Blue Jackets will also visit Los Angeles, Anaheim and Chicago on their road trip...San Jose was 1-for-5 on the power play.