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Pavelski, Sharks top Wild

Dec 13, 2013 - 7:42 AM San Jose, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Joe Pavelski scored two of San Jose's three power-play goals as the Sharks got the better of the Minnesota Wild, 3-1, at SAP Center.

Tomas Hertl provided the eventual game-winner in the second period and Antti Niemi did the rest in helping the Sharks snap a four-game slide.

"Even 3-0 is not safe," Niemi said. "We had to stay on our toes, get some offense, and play hard on both ends."

Niemi made 29 saves, the only blemish coming off the chest of Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart with 7:24 remaining in regulation.

Jonas Brodin was credited with the goal for the Wild, who have dropped five straight on the road.

"We were in the box too much. We didn't finish well enough. Penalty kills, it doesn't matter how many times they dive or embellish, we have to make sure we kill them off," Wild head coach Mike Yeo said.

Niklas Backstrom yielded three goals on 39 shots, the first a one-timer from the point by Pavelski just 5:54 into the game.

Hertl followed with another power-play tally with 5:17 to go in the opening period, as the rookie's wrister from between the circles beat Backstrom up high for his 15th goal of the season.

Minnesota's Zenon Konopka was sent off for a questionable high-sticking penalty 2:11 into the second, and less than two minutes into the double-minor Pavelski found the back of the net once again.

Game Notes

The Sharks improved to 11-1-3 at home ... Joe Thornton finished with two assists ... San Jose's Logan Couture recorded a game-high eight shots.