Hertl's late goal leads Sharks past Leafs 3-1

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen (31) deflects a San Jose Sharks shot during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (The Associated Press)

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San Jose Sharks' Brenden Dillon (4) celebrates after scoring against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (The Associated Press)

San Jose Sharks goalie Martin Jones, left, stops a shot from Toronto Maple Leafs' Leo Komarov (47) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (The Associated Press)

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Tomas Hertl scored the tiebreaking goal with 1:24 remaining and the San Jose Sharks beat the Toronto Maple Leafs for the ninth straight time, 3-1 on Tuesday night.

Patrick Marleau started the winning play when he skated in alone on three defenders. Marleau fed Hertl, who then beat Frederik Andersen with a quick shot to the short side for his eighth goal of the season.

Brenden Dillon also scored and Joe Pavelski added an empty-netter off Joe Thornton's 999th career assist to help the first-place Sharks snap a three-game home losing streak to remain five points ahead of second-place Edmonton in the Pacific Division. Martin Jones made 20 saves.

Rookie Auston Matthews scored his 31st goal for the Maple Leafs to start a crucial three-game California swing. Toronto has a one-point lead over Florida and the Islanders for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Andersen made 34 saves.