CHICAGO, March 8 (UPI) -- Patrick Marleau's second-period goal Friday was the game-winner when the San Jose Sharks defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2.
The goal, scored at 14:31 of the second, was Marleau's 14th this season and broke a 2-2 tie, putting San Jose in front for good. The verdict helped San Jose equal a team record with its eighth straight victory.
Jonathan Cheechoo and Kyle McLaren both scored and goaltender Evgeni Nabokov turned away 17 of 19 shots for the Sharks, who swept the season series 4-0.
San Jose has 86 points, one behind idle Dallas for first place in the Pacific Division and three points ahead of Anaheim for second.
Chicago got one goal apiece from Brent Seabrook and Jonathan Toews.
Goalie Patrick Lalime was beaten three times on 23 San Jose shots for the Blackhawks, whose three-game winning streak ended.
