Sharks dominate Canadiens

SAN JOSE — Goalie Martin Jones outdueled Carey Price as the San Jose Sharks continued their home domination of the Montreal Canadiens with a 2-1 win Friday night at sold-out SAP Center. Brent Burns and Joe Pavelski scored first-period goals and Jones made 31 saves as the hosts wrapped up a busy portion of their schedule — 10 games in 18 nights — in impressive fashion. In winning for the sixth time in seven games, first-place San Jose increased its lead in the Pacific Division to three points over idle Anaheim. In addition, the Canadiens dropped to 0-8-2 since last winning in San Jose in November 1999. Montreal was held to two or fewer goals for the sixth time in seven games. The Canadiens were able to break through on the second half of the double minor and deny Jones’ shutout bid when left-winger Artturi Lehkonen scored a six-on-four power-play goal with Price pulled for the extra attacker at 18:43 of the third period. Flames 3, Wild 2 (SO): Kris Versteeg and Sean Monahan scored in a shootout to lift Calgary past Minnesota. Versteeg and Mikael Backlund scored in regulation for the Flames, who have won two straight and four of their past six. Chad Johnson made 23 saves and has won six of his past seven starts. Chris Stewart and Mikko Koivu replied for the Wild (11-8-4), who have lost three straight. Jason Pominville got the Wild’s shootout goal. NHLPA rejects offer to extend CBA for Olympics A person with direct knowledge of the decision says the NHL Players’ Association has rejected the league’s offer to extend the current collective bargaining agreement three years in exchange for participation in the 2018 Olympics. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it wasn’t being formally announced. The Canadian Press first reported the NHLPA rejecting the offer, which was made by the NHL recently amid talks with the International Ice Hockey Federation and International Olympic Committee about players going to Pyeongchang in 2018. NHL players have participated in the past five Olympics dating to 1998, but there’s doubt about 2018 because of the IOC’s reluctance to pay for insurance and expenses. Commissioner Gary Bettman has set a January deadline for a decision. — Agencies