NHL: San Jose 5, Tampa Bay 2

San Jose, Calif. -- Patrick Marleau scored twice and Antero Niittymaki made 33 saves Saturday in the San Jose Sharks' 5-2 victory over Tampa Bay.

Dany Heatley and Logan Couture also scored in the Sharks' offensive outburst, which came after they had been shut out in back-to-back losses to St. Louis and Minnesota.

San Jose was playing without captain Joe Thornton, who sat out while serving the first of a two-game suspension for an illegal hit to the head of the Blues' David Perron this week.

The Lightning wrapped up a 1-2-1 road trip with the loss. Steven Stamkos had a goal and an assist. Martin St. Louis also scored for the Bolts.

Mike Smith let in all five Sharks goals on 39 shots for Tampa Bay.

Copyright 2010 United Press International, Inc. (UPI).

No votes yet