San Jose Surprises Phoenix

Mike Ricci and Jeff Friesen scored off rebounds and Mike Vernon set a San Jose record for career shutouts by stopping 27 shots as the Sharks beat the Phoenix Coyotes, 3-0, on Monday night at Phoenix.

The Sharks, who had lost nine straight to the Coyotes, ended Phoenix’s five-game unbeaten streak and moved four points ahead of the idle Kings in the developing race for the eighth Western Conference playoff spot.

The shutout, Vernon’s fourth this season, was his ninth in 99 games with the Sharks. He was tied with Arturs Irbe, who had eight in his first 183 games.

Stephane Matteau scored into an empty net with 48 seconds left to close out the scoring.

St. Louis 5, Florida 4--Pavol Demitra scored twice, including the go-ahead goal in the third period at Sunrise, Fla.

Pierre Turgeon added his 17th goal and two assists as the Blues ended a two-game losing streak.

Calgary 2, Edmonton 1--Phil Housley and Theoren Fleury scored first-period goals and Flame goalie Fred Brathwaite made 35 saves at Calgary.