Injured left wing Ryane Clowe sits out San Jose Sharks' game against Columbus Blue Jackets

As we get closer and closer to the pivotal NHL trade deadline of the 2011-2012 season, more and more eyes are turning towards the San Jose Sharks, who could use some vast upgrades to boost their club. With injuries to several key players, the Sharks are lacking depth offensively and have put up very little goals in the past few games. So, that should mean that the Sharks should...

Joe Thornton scored twice to get San Jose off to a fast start out of the All-Star break and Antti Niemi posted his 17th career shutout in the Sharks' 6-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night. Patrick Marleau, Joe Pavelski, Jamie McGinn and Michal Handzus also scored for the Sharks, who have beaten the Blue Jackets 19 times in 21 games at HP Pavilion. Four of...

When the game is winding down and the Sharks have a power play and Vlasic is out there with Douglas Murray, John McCarthy, and Brad Winchester, something has gone awry. Here is where I begin a rant likely to alienate any hockey fan who bothers to read my blog. If it makes a difference, I know how you feel: alienated. So we have that in common. For the sake of that common experience...

Joe Thornton scored twice to get San Jose off to a fast start out of the All-Star break and Antti Niemi posted his 17th career shutout in the Sharks' 6-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night.

All it took to wake up the Sharks after the All-Star break was one elbow to the head of Joe Thornton. Thornton responded to a hit from Jared Boll on the opening shift by scoring twice and Antti Niemi posted his second...

Joe Thornton scored twice to get San Jose off to a fast start out of the All-Star break and Antti Niemi posted his 17th career shutout in the Sharks' 6-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night. Patrick Marleau, Joe Pavelski, Jamie McGinn and Michal Handzus also scored for the Sharks, who have beaten the Blue Jackets 19 times in 21 games at HP Pavilion.

San Jose plays its final 35 games over 68 days, including a 9-game trip

By the Numbers at the All-Star breakHere's how the current Sharks compare with last year's team at the NHL All-Star breakOverall record Year Record Points Points

Joe Thornton had two goals and an assist and Antti Niemi made 30 saves for his fourth shutout of the season, as the San Jose Sharks dominated the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets, 6-0.

Stars at Sharks

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. San Jose Sharks RECORDS - CBJ: 13-30-6 (Road: 5-17-3), SJ: 27-14-6 (Home: 15-8-2) WHEN: Jan. 31, 2012 - 10:30 p.m. | WHERE: HP Pavilion at San Jose WATCH: FOX Sports Ohio (HD) | ...