Sports

Cullen leads Wild past Sharks 5-4 in shootout

Photo:

Jan 18, 2012 at 3:14 pm

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Matt Cullen scored in the third period and in the first round of the shootout to help the skidding Minnesota Wild recover from a late stumble to beat San Jose 5-4 on Tuesday night, stopping the Sharks' four-game winning streak.

Mikko Koivu scored next for the Wild, and Josh Harding stopped shots by Michal Handzus and Ryane Clowe to give the Wild just their second victory in their last 13 games. They're 2-8-3 in that span.

Logan Couture and Patrick Marleau scored 22 seconds apart to tie the game with 2:44 remaining in regulation minutes after Cullen's goal. Harding made 34 saves, and the Sharks outshot the Wild 18-8 in the third period.

Cal Clutterbuck had a goal and an assist for the Wild.