Pavelski leads Sharks past Stars

Joe Pavelski had a goal and two assists, Joe Thornton added another timely goal, and the San Jose Sharks won back-to-back games for just the second time in nearly four weeks, beating the Dallas Stars 5-2 Saturday.

Evgeni Nabokov made 23 saves, and Devin Setoguchi had a goal and an assist as the Sharks pulled within one point of Detroit for the overall NHL lead with their fifth win in six meetings with the Stars, who knocked them out of the playoffs in the second round last spring. Milan Michalek also scored, and captain Patrick Marleau added an empty-netter.

Loui Eriksson scored his 33rd goal for the Stars, who went winless on their three-game road trip. Stephane Robidas also scored, but Marty Turco wasn't sharp while making 25 saves.