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Sharks aim to continue best start in NHL history

Dec 17, 2008 - 11:22 AM San Jose (25-3-2) at Columbus (13-14-3), 7:00 pm EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- The Columbus Blue Jackets have looked good on home ice. The San Jose Sharks have been spectacular no matter where they have played.

The red-hot Sharks will try to continue the greatest start in NHL history when they visit the Blue Jackets on Wednesday.

Defenseman Dan Boyle and Ryane Clowe scored in the first two rounds of the shootout Monday to lead San Jose to their its straight win, a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.

The Sharks have been virtually unbeatable over the last 13 games, improving to 12-0-1 during the stretch. They currently are off to the best 30-game start in league history, collecting 52 points to pass the mark set by the 1929-30 Boston Bruins.

"We push each other in this room," Sharks captain Patrick Marleau said. "I've never been a part of anything like this. The guys hold each other accountable. We're a fun group, but at the same time, we demand a lot from each other. I think we've been pushing each other and that's why we've had the start that we've had."

The Blue Jackets are seeking their fifth consecutive victory at Nationwide Arena. They own a 9-5-1 record at home.

Once again, Columbus will likely turn to rookie Steve Mason, who made 28 saves in Sunday's 3-1 road loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.

The 20-year-old Mason has emerged as a Calder Trophy contender, posting an 8-5-1 record with a 1.98 goals-against average and two shutouts.