Sharks own Caps; Thornton among league leaders

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WASHINGTON, DCSimply put, the San Jose Sharks have owned the Washington Capitals for the last 12 years.The Sharks have won 16 of the last 17 matchups between the two clubs, including both games this season in decisive fashion. San Jose claimed a home win over Washington on Jan. 7, and followed that up with a 5-3 win on Monday night at Verizon Center behind four points from Joe Pavelski.According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Sharks .941 points percentage against the Capitals is the highest by one NHL team against another since the start of the 1999-2000 season. The only loss came on Oct. 15, 2009 at Washington.

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Todd McLellans team has now won its last five games against the Caps, but the coach wasnt aware of that run of success that obviously predates his time as San Joses head coach.There arent many secrets in the game, with video and the pre-scout. We seem to be able to get the lead on them, which I think is a real big thing, McLellan said after Mondays game. Special teams have been important the last few times that weve played them. Thats probably been the difference. Other than that, there isnt a magic wand or any secret formula to beating them, for us, anyhow.The Capitals are one of three Eastern Conference teams to appear twice on the Sharks schedule this season. Boston and Tampa Bay, which the Sharks visit on Thursday, are the others.Another big night for Thornton
Sharks captain Joe Thornton remained hot on Tuesday, racking up three more assists. In his last six games, Thornton has two goals and eight assists for 10 points.RELATED: Joe Thornton game logs
Monday was the 49th time in Thorntons career hes had three or more assists in a game, the second-highest total among active players, according to Elias. Philadelphias Jaromir Jagr has done it 56 times.San Joses leading scorer with 50 points, Thorntons recent hot streak has him climbing up the league leader charts, too. He's now tied for fifth with 38 assists and is tied with four other players for 20th in the NHL in scoring.

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