NHL Daily Power Play Recap 1/25/16: Kings defeat Sharks

For the latest NHL news, check out The DSH's Daily Power Play Recap below:

KINGS RALLY PAST RIVAL SHARKS

Vincent Lecavalier scored the tying goal with 12.2 seconds remaining in regulation and Marian Gaborik provided the winning tally with less than one minute left in overtime to power the Kings to their third victory in their last five games.

At 30-15-3 (63 points), the Kings reached the 30-win milestone in the fewest games in the franchise’s 48-year history (48 GP). Their previous record was 51 games, achieved in both 1980-81 and 2005-06.

The Kings, who have split their first four meetings with the Sharks this season (LAK: 2-2-0, SJS: 2-1-1), moved nine points ahead of their intrastate rival atop the Pacific Division. They will face off for a fifth and final time on March 28 at SAP Center.

Gaborik registered his 11th career overtime goal and second of the campaign (also Nov. 28 vs. CHI). His 11 such goals share sixth among active players, with Coyotes captain Shane Doan.

Lecavalier posted his fourth goal in nine games since joining the Kings on Jan. 6 (4-1—5). That equals his total from his 45 prior outings dating to last season (4-9—13 w/ PHI).

Despite suffering the overtime loss, the Sharks (7-0-2) extended their point streak to nine games – their longest such run since Oct. 3-21, 2013 (8-0-1).

Sharks captain Joe Pavelski scored his 24th goal of the season to move into sole possession of sixth place in the NHL.

Sharks forward Joe Thornton (0-1—1) moved within two points of becoming the 33rd player in NHL history to record 1,300 in his career (367-931—1,298). He has posted at least one point in 17 of his past 18 outings (5-18—23), including 2-10—12 during a nine-game point streak.  Thornton also became the second player to appear in 800 games with the Sharks, joining teammate Patrick Marleau (1,376).

In other Kings news, the Department of Player Safety suspended Kings forward Milan Lucic for one game for roughing Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton.

CRAWFORD, BLACKHAWKS BLANK BLUES

Corey Crawford denied all 25 shots he faced to earn his League-leading seventh shutout of the season and backstop the Blackhawks to their 13th win in their past 15 games.

At 33-15-4 (70 points), the Blackhawks moved five points ahead of the idle Stars (30-14-5, 65 points) for first place in the Central Division and Western Conference. They also climbed within three points of the idle Capitals (35-8-3, 73 points) for first place in the NHL standings; Washington, however, holds six games in hand.

The Blackhawks picked up their seventh straight victory at United Center, their longest home winning streak since Nov. 9 – Dec. 21, 2014 (8-0-0). They pace the NHL in home wins and home points in 2015-16 (21-5-1, 43 points).

Crawford, who totaled seven shutouts over the past four seasons combined (203 GP), has equaled that number in 41 games in 2015-16. He also ranks in the top 10 in the League in saves (1st; 1,157), wins (2nd; 28), save percentage (3rd; .932) and goals-against average (8th; 2.08).

Crawford has registered all seven of his shutouts this season on home ice, boosting his record to 18-5-1 at United Center (1.59 GAA, .947 SV%, 7 SO). His 18 home wins lead the NHL, spurred by six straight victories at United Center dating to Jan. 3.

SUNDAY’S RESULTS (Home Team in Caps)

Pittsburgh @ Washington – PPD
OTTAWA 3, NY Rangers 0
CAROLINA 5, Calgary 2
CHICAGO 2, St. Louis 0
Los Angeles 3, SAN JOSE 2 (OT)

MONDAY’S ACTION (All Times Eastern)

Detroit @ NY Islanders, 7:00 p.m., SNO, SNP, FS-D, MSG+
Boston @ Philadelphia, 7:00 p.m., TVAS, NESN, CSN-PH
Montreal @ Columbus, 7:00 p.m., SNE, RDS, FS-O
Buffalo @ NY Rangers, 7:30 p.m., NBCSN
Calgary @ Dallas, 8:30 p.m., SNW, FS-SW
Arizona @ Minnesota, 8:30 p.m., FS-A, FS-WI, FS-N+

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services