Havlat lifts Sharks in double OT

Martin Havlat returned from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for nearly half the season just in time for the San Jose Sharks’ playoff push.

In the opener, he pushed his team over the top.

Havlat scored his second goal of the game 3:34 into the second overtime, giving the Sharks a 3-2 victory against the St. Louis Blues in Game 1 of their playoff series Thursday night.

“The boys were in the hunt for the playoffs and I’m glad I could help them get in,” said Havlat, who had five points in the last four games. “I got to know the boys a little bit more on the ice, and I was ready to help them in this first game.”

Andrew Desjardins tied it for San Jose with 5:16 in regulation on a one-timer from Tommy Wingels, and Dan Boyle had two assists. Antti Niemi, who won a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010, made 40 saves — 14 in the first overtime.

“There was no panic on the bench, that’s for sure,” forward Ryane Clowe said. “You don’t want to get too uptight and panicky and think it’s not going to happen.”

Havlat said the puck was rolling and that he just wanted to put it on net.

“It was a great feeling,” Havlat said. “My first thought was that it was time to get some rest.”