Editor's note: After the Sharks won their 1,000th regular-season game on Jan. 10, NBC Sports California asked Dan Rusanowsky, the voice of the Sharks, to write about his favorite wins. Rusanowsky has been the team's radio play-by-play broadcaster ever since the franchise began in 1991.
The question came up as the San Jose Sharks confidently strode toward the amazing milestone of 1,000 wins in their history: if a list of the best regular-season victories could be assembled, which games would be included?
Having been in the broadcast booth since that very first game -- a loss on Oct. 4, 1991 in Vancouver -- I thought I'd give it a try. However, in assembling the list, I found it was exceedingly difficult to narrow it down, due to the fact that so many memorable regular-season victories have been celebrated by the denizens of Sharks Territory.
Well, we had to get the list pared down, and after some serious consideration, I got it down to two groups: a top 10 list, plus six honorable mentions. These are 16 great wins in Sharks history, and I'm certain some that didn't get to the final 16 deserve to be there.
Here are the six honorable mentions in chronological order. On Saturday, I'll reveal the Top 10.
Jan. 13, 1996 at PIT: Sharks 10, Penguins 8
After watching a 2-1 win in New Jersey from the stands, Ray Sheppard and Owen Nolan returned to the lineup in Pittsburgh with a vengeance. Sheppard scored a hat trick and added an assist, Nolan had 2-1-3, and the Sharks withstood a four-point performance from Mario Lemieux to win at the Igloo in Pittsburgh. To the present day, it's the most goals ever scored in a Sharks game by both teams.
March 30, 2002 vs. CLB: Sharks 10, Blue Jackets 2
It was the first time that the Sharks ever hit double digits in a home game. Teemu Selanne (2-2-4), Patrick Marleau (2-2-4) and Vincent Damphousse (2-1-3) had the big nights offensively.
April 10, 2006 at ARI: Sharks 3, Coyotes 2
Jonathan Cheechoo became the first Shark to score 50 goals in a season as he later claimed the Rocket Richard Trophy. He had two goals, including the game-winner, and one assist.
January 4, 2007 vs. DET: Sharks 9, Red Wings 5
The Sharks scored a team-record six power-play goals in nine attempts. Joe Thornton tied a team record with four assists in the game. Marleau (1-3-4), Mike Grier (2-1-3) and Ryane Clowe (2-0-2) were the big producers.
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January 18, 2014 at TB: Sharks 5, Lightning 4
Two natural hat tricks were scored in this game. Joe Pavelski scored his three goals in the second period to propel San Jose to victory. Amazingly, Martin St. Louis not only completed a natural hat trick earlier in the period, but he also had another one earlier in the game for a four-goal night in the losing effort.
January 23, 2017 at COL: Sharks 5, Avalanche 2
Marleau scored a natural hat trick in the third period, and after Colorado scored one goal, he picked up his fourth goal of the period. Other contributors: Brent Burns had 1-2-3, and Logan Couture had 0-2-2 and was plus-5.
