Kessel scores in 1,100th NHL game, helps Coyotes defeat Sharks

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Phil Kessel scored in his 1,100th NHL game to help the Arizona Coyotes defeat the San Jose Sharks 5-2 at Gila River Arena on Friday.

At 33 years, 172 days, Kessel is the youngest United States-born player to reach that mark.
Christian Dvorak scored two goals, Oliver Ekman-Larsson had two assists, and Adin Hill made 20 saves for the Coyotes (15-14-5), who won their second straight after going 1-4-2 in their previous seven games.
"I think from start to finish we were buzzing," Arizona forward Dryden Hunt said. "We kind of have all four lines going."
Tomas Hertl scored for his 300th NHL point, and Martin Jones made 23 saves for the Sharks (13-15-4), who had won two in a row and were 5-3-1 in their previous nine games.
"A little sluggish and slow, but those are the nights where you've got to dig deep and really compete and win 1-on-1 battles, even if your legs aren't with you," San Jose captain Logan Couture said. "They won more of those battles, and we got what we deserved."

The teams will play the second of back-to-back games here Saturday.
Dvorak scored his first goal in 16 games, off Conor Garland's pass from beyond the goal line, to give the Coyotes a 1-0 lead at 6:20 of the first period.
Hertl tied it 1-1 on a shorthanded breakaway at 1:54 of the second period.
Nick Schmaltz cut through the slot to redirect Ilya Lyubushkin's shot-pass from the right point at 18:44 to give Arizona a 2-1 lead. It was his first goal in 12 games.
"I've been trying to get to the net more, and 'Bush' gave a great look there, found my stick, and I was able to get one," Schmaltz said. "Just trying to keep the momentum here going for the team and myself. We've got to make a big push here and get some wins."
The Schmaltz goal swung the game in the Coyotes' favor, Sharks coach Bob Boughner said.
"We got off to a slow start and we came to the party a little late. That goal at the end of the second … going into the third 1-1, it might have been a little different," Boughner said. "We didn't generate enough offensively. I didn't like our compete in the offensive zone, didn't like our compete all over the ice, to be honest."
Dvorak switched from his forehand to his backhand to score from in front at 7:48 of the third period to increase the lead to 3-1.

Hunt made it 4-1 at 9:08. Boughner challenged for goaltender interference, but the goal was upheld after video review. San Jose received a penalty for delay of game for the unsuccessful challenge.
Kessel scored Arizona's third goal in 2:11 on the ensuing power play for a 5-1 lead at 9:59. He has five points (two goals, three assists) during a four-game point streak, and six goals in his past four games against San Jose.
"That goal by Phil, that's a big goal," Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet said. "It's not backing off [when you've got a lead]. I just like the contributions from everybody. And that's the way it's going to be if we're going to get into [the playoff race]. We don't have the makeup to have four or five guys have a bad night, and everybody contributed."
Patrick Marleau scored on the power play at 12:30 for the 5-2 final.
Marleau can tie Mark Messier for second place in NHL history with 1,756 NHL games, 11 fewer than record-holder Gordie Howe, if he plays Saturday.
Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun was taken to the dressing room with an undisclosed injury late in the third period.
"I think he jammed something there," Tocchet said. "We'll see how he is tomorrow."
The Coyotes scored five goals for the third time in four games after scoring four goals in their previous five games.
"I'm seeing a little bit more commitment to the defensive part of it," Tocchet said. "Then when you get the puck, you go, go, go. But to make some plays, you've got to get the puck. Stick your nose in there and get it."
NOTES: Sharks defenseman Radim Simek did not play after he was boarded at 10:42 of the third period by Schmaltz, who received a minor penalty. ... Kessel has scored 382 goals. Only three active players scored more by their 1,100th NHL game (Alex Ovechkin, 669; Eric Staal, 397; Marleau, 383). … Marleau scored his 564th goal to tie Mats Sundin and Joe Nieuwendyk for 23rd in NHL history. … Ekman-Larsson tied Laurie Boschman and Jeremy Roenick for eighth in Coyotes/Winnipeg Jets history with 379 points. … Hertl has scored 16 goals in 30 games against the Coyotes. … A total of 201 players have played at least 1,100 NHL games. … Seven of Kessel's 11 goals have come in the third period.