Owen Nolan and Brad Stuart scored power-play goals and Steve Shields stopped 27 shots as the surprising San Jose Sharks defeated the Washington Capitals 3-2 Saturday night.
Using their standard formula for success–Nolan, Vincent Damphousse and solid defense–the Sharks improved their record to an NHL-best 6-2-0. Nolan scored off an assist from Damphousse and San Jose held Washington to 13 shots through the first two periods.
“Our true game is defense,” Nolan said. “We just have to get back and play defense. We’re excited about the offense we have this year, but come crunch time in the playoffs, defense is what wins it for you.”
Nolan has eight goals and 14 points, both NHL highs, and has scored in all eight games. Damphousse leads the league with nine assists, including six on the power play.
Shields, meanwhile, owns a sparkling 1.35 goals-against average and a 5-1 record that has forced veteran Mike Vernon to watch from the bench.
