Blues drop opener to Sharks in OT

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Joe Thornton had three assists in regulation and Curtis Brown scored on a rebound with 2:48 left in overtime to carry San Jose to a 5-4 victory late Thursday in both clubs' season opener.

Manny Legace made 29 saves, while Dan Hinote, Jamal Mayers, Lee Stempniak and Bill Guerin scored for the Blues.

The Sharks appeared headed for a regulation victory when Bell scored on passes from Jonathan Cheechoo and Thornton with 5:42 left in the third period.

But Guerin forced overtime with 5.6 seconds left, tipping home Keith Tkachuk's pass after the Blues pulled Legace for an extra attacker.

-- The Associated Press