SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Rookie Branko Radivojevic scored midway through the third period Saturday night to snap a tie and lead the Phoenix Coyotes to a 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks.
Since owning a 2-1 lead with less than five minutes remaining in the second period of a 4-4 tie with Colorado on Nov. 17, Phoenix had not been in front in a game until a turnover by San Jose created a scoring chance.
While along the left boards in his own zone, defenseman Jeff Jillson tried a cross-ice feed to Mike Rathje at the blue line. After the puck hit Rathje's skate, Radivojevic grabbed it and raced down the right side before forcing goaltender Evgeni Nabokov to the ice and wristing a shot into the net with 9:56 to play.
Tony Amonte and defenseman Deron Quint also scored for the Coyotes, who halted a six-game winless streak, while Brian Boucher turned aside 26 shots.
Vincent Damphousse and Scott Thornton had the goals for San Jose, which had a three-game winning streak against Phoenix come to an end.
