Pavelski, Thornton help Sharks snap 3-game skid with 2-1 win iv shootout vs. Blackhawks

San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31), of Finland, blocks a shot against Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar) (The Associated Press)

San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31), of Finland, blocks a shot against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar) (The Associated Press)

Joe Thornton capped San Jose's perfect shootout with a nifty move past Corey Crawford that helped the Sharks snap a three-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night.

Joe Pavelski scored a short-handed goal and opened the shootout with a goal. Patrick Marleau also scored in the tiebreaker for the Sharks, who have won eight of their past nine shootouts. Antti Niemi made 29 saves and stopped Patrick Sharp in the second round of the shootout.

Brandon Saad scored a power-play goal, and Crawford made 38 saves for the Blackhawks, who have lost five of six games as they limp toward the Olympic break.