NHL: San Jose 4, Phoenix 0

GLENDALE, Ariz., April 16 (UPI) -- Antti Niemi logged 35 saves en route to his fourth shutout of the season Monday and the San Jose Sharks dealt Phoenix's playoff hopes a blow with a 4-0 victory.

Logan Couture sparked a three-goal second period outburst with a tally 8:50 into the frame while Tommy Wingels scored and added an assist as San Jose took its second win three games.

Matt Irwin and Joe Pavelski also scored for the Sharks, who hold the fifth seed in the Western Conference.

Jason LaBarbera turned aside 37-of-41 shots for the Coyotes, who fell six points out of a West post-season slot.