The Montreal Canadiens invaded San Jose Sharks territory to start the month of December.
The freakish, 50-mile an hour gusting, windy weather outside the HP Pavilion was tame compared to the action inside.
The Sharks fought valiantly all game. Being down a goal in each period, they came back to tie the score each time and, ultimately, outshot the Canadiens, 41-32.
The Canadiens left San Jose, losing the overtime, shootout battle, 4-3.
The Canadiens started the scoring on a goal by Mike Cammalleri at 13:21 of the first period. The Sharks answered to tie the score at 14:02 on a goal by Jamie McGinn.
After two periods the Sharks and Canadiens were were tied, 2-2.
Erik Cole put the Canadiens ahead at 8:46 of the third period but the Sharks weren't finished.
Ryane Clowe scored off a goalie-pad rebound with 1:26 left in regulation to tie the game at three, sending it to overtime.
In overtime, the Sharks' best chance was on a Dan Boyle wrist shot from point blank range that missed going between Carey Price’s pads by inches, hitting the left-leg pad as Montreal goalie Carey Price looked behind him for the puck.
In the shootout:
Carey Price stopped SJ’s Ryane Clowe.
Mike Cammalleri hit the crossbar for Montreal.
Martin Havlat scored on the Sharks next attempt.
Sharks 1-0.
Eric Cole shot wide left as Niemi stood his ground.
Logan Couture could have won it but he shot the puck wide right.
Montreal's Brian Gionta needed to score to keep the game alive and he did, deking Niemi on a backhand wraparound.
Michal Handzus scored for the Sharks, leaving it to Montreal’s David Desharnais who tallied to extend the shootout.
Dan Boyle, in round five, was stoned by Carey Price and Montreal’s Travis Moen missed his chance for the win.
Joe Pavelski scored through Price’s five hole in round six and, finally, Niemi stopped P.K. Subban with a sprawling pad save and the Sharks took home the win.
The Sharks have now beaten the Canadiens six straight times.
The Sharks now play the Florida Panthers on Saturday as part of a 4-game homestand.
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