As we mentioned in the preview, the Columbus Blue Jackets (an NHL worst 29 points) have not strung together two straight wins all season. They had a chance to do that on Saturday night, but playing the NHL's hottest team did those odds no favor.

10-1-2 in the past 31 days, the Sharks took the game 2-1 and improved their Pacific Division lead over the Los Angeles Kings to five points. It was Todd Richards' first home loss as interim head coach after winning his debut just last night against the Coyotes.

After no scoring in the first period, the Sharks got on the board in the second period. Rick Nash tied it in the third with his 16th goal of the season, but Patrick Marleau's 17th of the season for the Sharks with under three minutes remaining in the game provided the game-winner for the Sharks.

Columbus is home for two more, the next being Tuesday against Edmonton.

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