Pavelski scores 2 goals, Sharks end losing streak with 3-1 win over Wild

San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31), of Finland, deflects a shot on goal against the Minnesota Wild during the second period of an NHL hockey game on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (The Associated Press)

San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31), of Finland, stops a shot next to Minnesota Wild's Justin Fontaine (14) and teammate Jason Demers (5) during the second period of an NHL hockey game on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (The Associated Press)

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Joe Pavelski scored two power-play goals, and the San Jose Sharks ended a four-game losing streak by beating the Minnesota Wild 3-1 on Thursday night.

Tomas Hertl also scored on the power play for the Sharks, who earned their first regulation victory at home since Nov. 29. Antti Niemi stopped 28 shots to record his 17th victory.

Jonas Brodin scored for the Wild, who lost their fifth straight on the road. Niklas Backstrom made 36 saves.

Backstrom fell to 1-9-1 in San Jose, and his 3.68 goals-against-average there is his second worst in any arena.

The Sharks went 3 for 7 on the power play after going 0 for 4 in a 3-1 loss to the Wild on Sunday. They scored four times in their previous 39 power plays.