Game report: Ducks 3, Sharks 2

Key play: Ryan Garbutt’s first goal with the Ducks after a trade Jan. 21 from Chicago proved to be the winner in a 3-2 victory Tuesday over the San Jose Sharks at the Honda Center. Garbutt slammed home a rebound of teammate Chris Stewart’s shot at 12:07 of the second period and the Ducks went on to take their fourth consecutive victory and move into third place in the Pacific Division.

Quote, unquote: “It feels good. You always feel like you’re a part of the team after you score a goal like that,” Garbutt said after scoring his third goal of the season. “It turned out to be the game-winner. I couldn’t have asked for a better start.”

Pivotal performer: Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf set up defenseman Hampus Lindholm for a shorthanded goal in the second period with an alert pass from behind the Sharks’ net. Getzlaf won control of the puck and then waited for Lindholm to move into striking position before feeding him.

Welcome back: Defenseman Cam Fowler returned to the Ducks’ lineup after sitting out for 13 games because of a sprained right knee. He began Tuesday’s game paired with Kevin Bieksa rather than Simon Despres, who played alongside Sami Vatanen. Fowler played 20:16 in his first game since Dec. 27.

Between the pipes: Frederik Andersen started in goal for the Ducks and made 30 saves after coach Bruce Boudreau decided to give John Gibson an extra day of rest after returning Monday from the All-Star Game on Sunday. Martin Jones made his 41st appearance of the season for the Sharks. Jones had 22 saves.