Pavelski leads Sharks past Capitals, Holtby 5-3

By Howard Fendrich

Associated Press

Published: Monday, Feb. 13 2012 8:20 p.m. MST

San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) celebrates his goal against the Washington Capitals with Dan Boyle (22) and Patrick Marleau (12) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, in Washington.

Haraz N. Ghanbari, Associated Press

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Summary

Joe Pavelski had two goals and two assists against a goalie playing in the NHL for the first time in nearly a year, leading the Sharks past the Capitals 5-3 Monday night, San Jose's 16th victory in its last 17 games against Washington.

WASHINGTON — Joe Pavelski had two goals and two assists against a goalie playing in the NHL for the first time in nearly a year, leading the Sharks past the Capitals 5-3 Monday night, San Jose's 16th victory in its last 17 games against Washington.

Patrick Marleau, Ryane Clowe and Brent Burns also scored on Braden Holtby, who was brought up from Hershey of the American Hockey League earlier Monday to make a surprise start for Washington — something he hadn't done since last March. Washington's No. 1 goalie, Tomas Vokoun, was ill, and No. 2 Michal Neuvirth played Sunday in a loss at the New York Rangers.

Joe Thornton collected three assists for the Pacific Division-leading Sharks, and Thomas Greiss made 39 saves.

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