SAN JOSE, Calif (AP) - Patrick Marleau and Torry Mitchell each scored twice and the San Jose Sharks closed in on second place in the Western Conference by beating the sliding Calgary Flames 6-3 on Wednesday.
Andrew Desjardins added his first career goal, and Logan Couture also scored for the Pacific Division-leading Sharks, who have won four straight following a three-game skid to move one point behind Detroit for second in the conference. San Jose also increased its division lead over Phoenix to three points with a game at hand.
The Sharks dealt another blow to the Flames' playoff hopes. Calgary got goals from Jarome Iginla, Rene Bourque and Cory Sarich, but lost for the sixth time in seven games.
The Flames are two points behind Anaheim for eighth place in the West, but have played three more games than the Ducks, giving them little room for error in their final six games.
Niemi made 22 saves to get the victory in his 29th consecutive start and give the Sharks their third win in four meetings with Calgary this season.
