Sharks stretch streak to 8 with shootout win over Blackhawks

The San Jose Sharks are still the hottest team in the NHL.

Monday's 4-3 shootout victory over the Chicago Blackhawks gave the Sharks their eighth consecutive win.

The Sharks temporarily moved within four points of the Vegas Golden Knights for first place in the Pacific Division, but the expansion franchise later regained its six-point cushion and clinched a playoff berth with a win over the Colorado Avalanche.

San Jose hasn't lost since March 10, when they fell 2-0 to the Washington Capitals.

Extending the streak won't be easy, as the Sharks face the St. Louis Blues - winners of five straight themselves - in the second game of a road back-to-back Tuesday night.

San Jose then travels to Nashville to face the NHL-best Predators on Thursday night before clashing with the Golden Knights in Nevada on Saturday.