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Sharks goes for fourth consecutive win vs. Coyotes

Jan 18, 2007 - 3:06 PM Phoenix (21-23-2) at San Jose (31-15-0) 10:30 pm EST

SAN JOSE, California (Ticker) -- The Phoenix Coyotes might be running into the San Jose Sharks at the wrong time.

All-Star Joe Thornton will try to carry the Sharks to their four straight triumph when they host the Coyotes on Thursday.

San Jose won for the sixth time in seven games with Monday's 3-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche behind the efforts of goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, who recorded 26 saves.

All-Star Patrick Marleau had a goal and two assists for the Sharks, who have surrendered a total of just two goals over their last two contests.

Marleau has been sensational over his last seven games, scoring five goals and 14 points. Thornton also has been outstanding over that stretch, spearheading San Jose's high-powered offense with two tallies and 13 assists.

The reigning winner of the Hart and Art Ross Trophies, Thornton leads the NHL with 46 assists this season.

Mike Zigomanis and Shane Doan each scored a goal in the third period but could not keep Phoenix from dropping a 4-3 decision to the Avalanche on Wednesday.

The Coyotes have struggled since their season-high seven-game winning streak, losing three of their last four.

San Jose is 2-1 against Phoenix this season, including a 4-1 victory on Saturday. Ryan Clowe tallied twice in that contest while Thornton registered three assists.