Sharks put on Caps lock

Two goals from Joe Pavelski lifted Pacific Division leaders the San Jose Sharks to a 5-3 win over the Washington Capitals on Monday.

The right wing scored the opening goal of the game after 12 minutes and he doubled his account early in the second.

Patrick Marleau also scored twice in San Jose's win - their 16th victory from the past 17 NHL matches between the teams.

Trailing 3-0, Washington scored in the final five seconds of the second period through Dmitry Orlov to give the Capitals a lifeline but early strikes from Brett Burns - assisted by Pavelski - and Marleau helped set up San Jose's win.

The Capitals added respectability to the scoreboard in the final 10 minutes of the match as Roman Hamrlik and Jeff Schultz scored goals but it mattered little as the Sharks bounced back from a 3-0 loss to the St Louis Blues in style.

Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes stormed home to win 5-3 against the Montreal Canadiens.

Jiri Tlusty and Jaroslav Spacek scored early for the Hurricanes but goals from Tomas Plekanec, Erik Cole and David Desharnais in six minutes during the third period handed Montreal the lead.

But two goals from Carolina captain Eric Staal and another by Jamie McBain saw the Hurricanes claim victory as Montreal slumped to their first loss in five.

In Monday's other match, the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Phoenix Coyotes 2-1.

Keith Yandle's strike for the Coyotes with just over two minutes to play forced a shootout, in which 12 attempts were needed before a winner was found.

Ryan Kesler's goal handed Vancouver the initiative before Boyd Gordon had his attempt saved to seal a dramatic win for the Canucks.