San Jose, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Antoine Vermette scored the game-winner in the shootout to lead the Phoenix Coyotes to a 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday.
Vermette, who also had a goal in regulation, looped to the left before cutting back across the front of the net and sneaking the puck past Sharks goalie Antti Niemi.
Mikkel Boedker also scored for the Coyotes, winners in four straight and six of their last seven tilts overall. Mike Smith made 48 saves in the win.
"He made some key saves and was an important part of our win tonight," Vermette said.
Joe Pavelski and Dan Boyle scored one goal apiece for the Sharks, losers in two straight for the first time this season.
Boyle had missed the past six games after suffering a concussion on Oct. 15.
"I didn't feel like my normal self out there, but that is to be expected. I was half a step behind, I wasn't skating quite how I'd like, and my decision making was a bit slow," said Boyle.
Boyle's power play marker 5:10 into the second gave San Jose a 2-1 lead, but Boedker tied the game 3:47 later.
After a scoreless third, the Coyotes had several opportunities to tie the game in the bonus frame, but Niemi and the Sharks defense were able to hold off the late barrage to force the shootout.
Despite taking 50 shots in regulation, the Sharks were held with out a shot on goal in overtime.
Logan Couture got Phoenix on the board in the shootout after beating Smith over his right shoulder. Smith, however, stopped the next four shooters before Vermette's back-hander through Niemi's five-hole.
Vermette scored just 36 seconds in after one-timing a pass from Rob Klinkhammer.
Pavelski's sixth goal of the season tied the game just 1:16 into the second.
Game Notes
The Coyotes are 1-1 in shootouts this season ... The Coyotes will host the Canucks on Tuesday ... The Sharks have recorded at least 50 shots three times this season ... San Jose will host Buffalo on Tuesday.