The game of the night on Thursday was definitely in Los Angeles, as the San Jose Sharks picked up a 6-5 shootout win over the Kings.

Not only was it the first part of a home-and-home series between the two divisional rivals, but first place in the Pacific was on the line and it turned out to be a wild, back-and-forth game filled with goals and other pieces of assorted craziness.

The most bizarre play of the night, and perhaps the entire NHL season, came late in the third period when Sharks forward Ryane Clowe took it upon himself to reach out from the bench and disrupt a Kings rush up the ice.

And he ended up getting away with it!



Seriously, I'm not sure what is more amazing about this play: the fact that Clowe had the stones to attempt such a ridiculous move (in that situation), or that none of the referees or linesmen on the ice saw it happen, missing what should have been penalty during a huge moment in a huge game.

Along with the defensive play of the night (an illegal one, of course) Clowe also scored a goal and recorded one of two Gordie Howe Hat Tricks for San Jose on the night (Joe Thornton had the other one), assisting on Martin Havlat's third period power play goal, and also fighting Kyle Clifford midway through the second period.

Even though the Sharks won the game, and both teams are now tied with 94 points, the Kings remain in first place in the Pacific for the time being due to having more regulation and overtime wins.

The two teams meet again on Saturday in San Jose.

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