Skinner’s first shutout leads Oilers past Sharks

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Stuart Skinner made 20 saves in his first career shutout and the Edmonton Oilers beat the San Jose Sharks 3-0 on Monday night.

“It was pretty special,” Skinner said. “To say that I got an NHL shutout is something cool and something that you dream of as a kid. Definitely a really special moment and I’m really grateful for it.”

Connor McDavid, Darnell Nurse and Warren Foegele scored. Evan Bouchard had two assists.

Former Shark Evander Kane returned to San Jose for the first time with the Oilers and was booed every time he touched the puck. He did not have a point but took four shots on goal.

“I’ve kind of moved on,” Kane said before the game. “I’m happy where I’m at.”

Added Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft: “I’ve been nothing but impressed with Evander Kane. I think he’s single-minded in his purpose and that (was) to get a win tonight for the Edmonton Oilers.”

James Reimer made 36 saves as San Jose lost its fourth in a row. The Sharks played their first game since Feb. 1 and their first home game since Jan. 22.

“I think that you can see there wasn’t a lot of sharpness to our game, and that’s the worry after being on a break that long,” coach Bob Boughner said. “But you’ve got to find ways at this time of year and there’s no excuses.”

The Oilers jumped ahead with two goals in the first period. Foegele tipped home his sixth of the season on Edmonton’s first shot on goal. Nurse added his fifth goal just 1:05 later.

“We haven’t played with a lead early in games a lot this season, but when you find a way to get it and just stick to your game plan, not take the foot off the gas, I think it’s huge,” Nurse said.

After a scoreless second period, McDavid scored his 24th early in the third, moving into a tie for