Bjugstad handles the scoring in Panther win over Sharks, 3-2

SAN JOSE – Headed into Thursday’s game against the Florida Panthers, the San Jose Sharks had skated in front of 205 consecutive home sell-outs, including post-season.
That streak of nearly five years ended as the Sharks emerged with a 10-9-3 record for the season with a 3-2 shootout loss to Florida.
The first contest of a six-game homestand drew 17,331, leaving SAP Center with 231 tickets unsold.
Nick Bjugstad scored both Florida goals in regulation and then capped the shootout series with a goal to give Florida the 2-1 difference after three rounds.
Bjugstad, the visitors’ leading goal-scorer with six, appeared to net the winner with a power-play goal 17:23 into the second period. The Sharks recovered to tie the score with 33.1 seconds left in regulation. Patrick Marleau snapped a low shot across the slot and inside the left post as the Sharks worked for more than one minute with an extra skater.
Florida opened the scoring with a goal in the game’s first 24 seconds. San Jose needed more than 25 minutes to connect for the equalizer.
 The Panthers, owners of a 4-1 win over San Jose on Nov. 11, put the puck past Shark goaltender Antti Niemi on the visitors’ first trip into the offensive zone.
Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, at the right point, threaded a low pass through the right circle that Bjugstad redirected inside the right post for his team-leading fifth goal of the season.
San Jose generated a 12-6 edge in shots on net in the first period, yet trailed 1-0 entering the first intermission.
The Sharks pulled even at 1-1 by taking advantage of their first power play of the game.
Kulikov went to the penalty box for cross-checking at 4:41 of the second period. Logan Couture notched his eighth goal of the season at 6:19, joining Joe Pavelski atop the franchise lead. Pavelski had two whacks at the puck from point-blank range against goaltender Roberto Luongo. Aaron Ekblad pushed Pavelski away from the crease, but Couture quickly skated toward the loose puck and shoved it into the net before Florida’s Derek MacKenzie could tie up Couture.
“We’ve got to find a way to score even-strength.” Said Couture.
NOTES: Jason Demers played in his 300^th NHL game…Marleau’s penalty shot attempt 13:07 into the third period was stopped by a Luongo blocker save…Thornton’s helper on Marleau’s goal lifted the center into a tie for 23^rd place all-time for assists with 865.…The Sharks host the Arizona Coyotes Saturday night.