National Hockey League

Martin Jones stops 31 shots, Sharks beat Canadiens 2-1

Published Dec. 3, 2016 2:52 a.m. ET

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SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) Brent Burns and Joe Pavelski scored in the first period, Martin Jones stopped 31 shots and the San Jose Sharks extended their mastery of Montreal at home by beating the Canadiens 2-1 on Friday night in a matchup of division leaders.

Jones won his third straight and the Sharks improved to 8-0-2 against the Canadiens in San Jose since November 1999.

Pavelski also had an assist, and Joe Thornton got two assists.

Carey Price was efficient after giving up the two early goals, one on a power play and the other on an odd-man rush. He finished with 28 saves for Montreal, and Andrew Lehkonen scored a power-play goal late in the third period.

The Canadiens failed to maintain pressure against Jones, who turned away several point-blank shots early and then was rarely tested.

The Atlantic Division leaders have gone consecutive games without earning a point for the first time this season. Meanwhile, the Pacific Division-leading Sharks have won three straight and six of seven.

Montreal's Alexander Radulov left with 4:06 remaining after getting cut over the eye by Logan Couture, who was assessed a double minor for high-sticking.

Montreal took advantage of the late penalty to get on the board when Lehkonen scored with a 6-on-4 advantage.

Burns scored his 10th goal, most among NHL defensemen, to put the Sharks ahead in the first 6 minutes.

Thornton picked up a Canadiens turnover in the final minute of the first period and fed Pavelski in front of the net.

NOTES: Thornton has 1,356 points, 25th on the NHL's career list. ... Burns has eight points in his past seven games. ... The Canadiens are 0-7-2 in California since March 2014. ... The Canadiens have allowed 12 power-play goals in 38 chances to San Jose since 1999. ... Montreal's past six games have been decided by one goal.

UP NEXT

Canadiens: Continue their road trip at the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday.

Sharks: Host the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night.

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