Canucks fall to San Jose

Vancouver struggling as season winds down

VANCOUVER — Tomas Hertl scored twice in the first period and Martin Jones made 29 saves on Sunday as the San Jose Sharks defeated the Vancouver Canucks 3-1 after losing Joe Thornton to an apparent injury to his left leg.

San Jose forward Jannik Hansen picked up an assist in his return to Vancouver for the Sharks (44-28-7), who have won 11 straight regular-season games at Rogers Arena dating back to Jan. 21, 2012. Patrick Marleau added an empty netter.

Sven Baertschi replied for the Canucks (30-39-9), who got 22 saves from Ryan Miller.

Already minus centre Logan Couture because of a facial injury, Thornton crumpled to the ice with three minutes left in the first when he ran into Vancouver forward Michael Chaput from behind.

The 37-year-old centre managed to get to the San Jose bench under his own power, but couldn’t put any weight on his left leg and had to be helped to the locker-room.

The Sharks clinched a playoff spot last week, but are just 2-8-0 over their last 10 after a 7-2-0 run. San Jose started Sunday four points back of the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks for first in the Pacific Division.

Vancouver, an anemic 2-9-2 over its last 13, is set to miss the post-season for the third time in four years and has not won at home since Feb. 18, a span of 11 games (0-8-3).

The Canucks’ last win in regulation at home came Jan. 20 against the Florida Panthers.

Vancouver signed forward Jason Megna to a one-year, one-way extension earlier Sunday.