Sharks' Marleau Becomes First NHL Player in 20 Years to Score 4 Goals in a Period

San Jose Sharks veteran Patrick Marleau had an epic performance on Monday night, netting four goals in the third period alone to lead the Sharks to a 5-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche.

Marleau's accuracy proved deadly for Avalanche goaltender Spencer Martin, who allowed all four goals on just four shots.

The 37-year-old Marleau, who entered the game on a seven-game scoreless streak, began his barrage at the 2:53 mark, tipping Marc-Edouard Vlasic's blast from the point off the post and past Martin.

His second goal came on a wraparound attempt, as he skated around Patrick Wiercioch, the net, and tucked a sweet backhanded finish between Martin's skate and the post.

Marleau then captured the natural hat trick at the 10:35 mark on a 2-on-1 break with Joe Pavelski. Marleau received Pavelski's feed on the left wing and placed his shot past a sprawling Martin on his short side, to the delight of the announcers.

"Hat trick Marleau! Three straight goals," exclaimed Randy Hahn. "The natty hatty for Patty." Damn, daddy!

With the feat, Marleau became only the 12th player in NHL history to record four goals in a single period and the first since Pittsburgh Penguins legend Mario Lemieux on Jan. 26, 1997 against the Montreal Canadiens.

Following the victory, the Sharks remain just a single point behind the Anaheim Ducks for the top spot in the Pacific Division. And Marleau sits just a hat trick away from his historic 500th career goal after having hit the 1000-career point mark last season.

[NBCSN]