NHL: San Jose 3, Columbus 2

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Joe Thornton, playing in a team-record 248th straight game, scored the winning goal in the third period Thursday to give San Jose a 3-2 victory over Columbus.

It was the ninth straight victory for the Sharks, who in their previous outing had equaled the league record for most points achieved (43) in the first 25 games of a season.

San Jose improved its record to 22-3-1 and has not suffered a regulation loss at home all season. The Sharks haven't lost since Nov. 11.

Thornton broke the San Jose record for most consecutive games played set by Vincent Damphousse. To celebrate the occasion, Thornton put a wrist shot past Steve Mason to break a 2-2 tie with 12:19 to play in the game.

Evgeni Nabokov made the lead stand up, stopping 29 shots. He improved to 15-2 for the season.

Patrick Marleau and Jeremy Roenick scored the other San Jose goals, both on the power play. San Jose boosted its lead in the Pacific Division to 14 points, easily the largest lead in any of the NHL's six divisions.