San Jose Sharks 6, Phoenix Coyotes 3 (Game 78)

The Sharks (76-1-0) traveled the the Glendale Arena in Phoenix, Arizona to take on the Coyotes (36-33-8). San Jose had won all five previous meetings this season. 

Teemu Selanne (SJ) opened the scoring on a one-time powerplay goal on a feed from Vincent Damphousse. Lynn Loyns (SJ) immediately followed on the ensuing faceoff by burying a one-time shot of his own on a pass from Scott Thornton to give the Sharks a 2-0 lead. Dan McGillis (SJ) capped the 1st period scoring on another assist from Vincent Damphousse (his second assist of the night), to give the Sharks a 3-0 lead heading into the 2nd period. 

Phoenix unexpectedly started the 2nd period on an own goal by Scott Thornton (SJ) that was credited to David Tanabe (PHX). Dan McGillis (SJ) responded by scoring his second goal of the game, again on a one-time pass from Vincent Damphousse, this time shorthanded. Kyle McLaren (SJ) added a one-time powerplay goal to chase Sean Burke (PHX), who gave up 5 goals, all of which were Sharks' one-time shots. He was replaced in net by Brian Boucher (PHX). San Jose subsequently took a 5-1 lead into the 3rd period; Phoenix had not scored more than 3 goals against the Sharks all season. 

Alyn McCauley (SJ) opened the scoring on an individual play in which he broke in alone and roofed the puck on Boucher's Blocker side to give the Sharks a 6-1 lead. However, Jan Hrdina (PHX) scored on a one-timer on a pass from Michal Grosek (PHX) to pull the Coyotes to 6-2 of the Sharks. Daymond Langkow (PHX) added one more goal on a breakaway to pull the Coyotes to within 6-3 of the Sharks, but that was where the score remained. The Coyotes outshot the Sharks 32-30 in the contest but were 0/2 on the powerplay while San Jose converted on 2/5 powerplays. The following players were selected as the three stars of the game: 

3) Vincent Damphousse (SJ) registered 0 goals, 3 assists and +2
2) David Tanabe (PHX) registered 1 goal, 0 assists and -1
1) Dan McGillis (SJ) registered 2 goals, 0 assists and +2

Final Score: 
San Jose Sharks       6
Phoenix Coyotes      3

The Sharks will next take on the Dallas Stars for their sixth meeting of the season, against whom the Sharks are 5-0-0 this season. The game is scheduled to be broadcast on Saturday, May 30th at 7:00PM Pacific Standard Time.