CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device
SAN JOSE — Next up on Erik Karlsson’s hit list: Bobby Orr, Phil Housley and Brian Leetch.
Karlsson entered into rare territory Tuesday, recording three more assists as the Sharks beat the Edmonton Oilers 7-2 at SAP Center to earn their fourth straight win.
In doing so, he became just the fifth defenseman in NHL history to record assists in 14 consecutive appearances. If Karlsson picks up an assist against the Vegas Golden Knights Thursday, he’ll pass Orr and Housley while tying Leetch’s 15-game assists streak set during the 1991-92 season. Paul Coffey holds the record, grabbing assists in 17 straight games during the 1985-86 campaign.
The three-point night, Karlsson’s second in as many days, also made him the 13th defensemen to record points in 14 straight games. He’s collected 25 points over that span.
Karlsson earned secondary assists on Evander Kane’s opening goal at 6:37 of the first and Joonas Donskoi’s second goal at 10:44 of the third. He also recorded the primary assist on Brent Burns’ eighth of the year on a Sharks power play at 15:37 of the second.
Speaking of ridiculous-offensive numbers, here’s a few more: With a goal and an assist, Burns has amassed 14 points in seven games. Kane scored two more goals and picked up an assist, giving him five tallies in four games and 17 points in 16 outings. Donskoi scored two, giving him seven goals in six games.
Marcus Sorensen scored the Sharks second goal at 12:57 of the first off a penalty shot and Joe Thornton recorded the sixth at 1:04 of the third.
The Oilers produced a rare moment, as well: Milan Lucic scored a goal, his first since opening night. Alex Chiasson netted the Oilers other goal, punching in a pass from Connor McDavid with the extra man.
The Sharks earned the win with head coach Pete DeBoer sidelined by illness. Assistant coach Steve Spott took over head coaching duties for his longtime bench-mate.
Backup goalie Aaron Dell made 20 saves in a winning effort. The Sharks improved to 3-0 without Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Justin Braun, who are both sidelined by injuries.
The Sharks will return to action in Las Vegas Thursday for a bout with the Golden Knights.
