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Sharks continue domination of Caps

Feb 18, 2011 - 7:33 AM San Jose, CA (Sports Network) - Dany Heatley's third-period goal proved to be the difference, as the San Jose Sharks edged the Washington Capitals, 3-2, at HP Pavilion.

Joe Pavelski and Ryane Clowe also scored for the Sharks, who returned home off a 5-2-0 road trip. Antti Niemi made 23 saves in the win.

"We have production coming from everywhere and that's why were finding ourselves on top," Pavelski said.

Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom tallied for Washington, which lost for the 14th time in 15 games to San Jose. Michal Neuvirth stopped 25 shots in defeat.

Clowe's backhander gave the Sharks a 2-1 lead at the 4:27 mark of the third period. Heatley scored on a deflection with Washington's John Erskine serving an interference penalty to make it 3-1 at 10:49.

Backstrom found the back of the net with 1:55 remaining, but the rally fell short.

"I thought if we could have gotten the lead early in the third period, we might have been able to hold on. But it was going to be tough coming from behind," said Washington head coach Bruce Boudreau.

The teams traded goals during the same Capitals power play late in the first period.

Pavelski took a pass from Patrick Marleau and beat Neuvirth on the glove side with 1:11 left. Ovechkin responded 22 seconds later on a screened shot.

Game Notes

The Capitals haven't won in San Jose since October 30, 1993, going 0-10-0 with a tie since then....Thursday's game marked the fifth straight against a Pacific Division team for Washington.