Sharks win franchise-best 7th straight to open season, 3-2 over Oilers in shootout

Edmonton Oilers goalie Devan Dubnyk (40) deflects a shot on goal by San Jose Sharks center Scott Gomez (23) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar) (The Associated Press)

San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) is high-fived by teammates after scoring a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar) (The Associated Press)

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Michal Handzus and Dan Boyle scored in the shootout to help the San Jose Sharks extend the best start in franchise history with their seventh straight win, 3-2 over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night.

Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski scored unassisted goals off turnovers 39 seconds apart in the second period against Devan Dubnyk to break open a scoreless game. Antti Niemi made 26 saves as the Sharks remained the only unbeaten team in the NHL.

San Gagner scored in the second period and Taylor Hall tied it in the opening minute of the third for the Oilers, who had won two straight including a 2-1 overtime victory the previous night in Phoenix.