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Sharks conclude five-game road trip vs. Panthers

Oct 31, 2006 - 3:01 PM San Jose (8-4-0) at Florida (5-6-2) 7:30 pm EST

SUNRISE, Florida (Ticker) -- With his long-awaited first goal of the season in the books, Joe Thornton is looking for more.

Thornton tries to help the San Jose Sharks finish their five-game road trip on a winning note Tuesday when they visit Florida Panthers in their only meeting of the season.

After capturing the Hart and Art Ross Trophies last season, Thornton failed to score a goal in his first 11 games, despite ranking among the league leaders with 13 assists.

Thornton scored his first tally of the campaign on a power play and captain Patrick Marleau added his sixth to lead the Sharks in Sunday's 4-2 over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Ryan Clowe netted his first career goal and Mike Grier added an empty-net tally for San Jose, which has split the first four games of the road trip. The Sharks have won 11 of their last 12 contests against Eastern Conference teams.

Despite losing four of its last five games, Florida is back home where it is 4-1-0 this season.

Jay Bouwmeester tied the game with 3:29 left in regulation and Joel Kwiatkowski and Shawn Bates added goals for the Panthers in Saturday's 4-3 shootout loss to the New York Islanders.

Jacques Martin needs one victory to become the 13th coach to reach 450. His career mark with the Panthers is 42-40-13.