Sharks prevent Avalanche from clinching Central Division with 5-1 victory

Colorado Avalanche goalie Reto Berra, of Switzerland, is beaten for a goal on a shot from San Jose Sharks' Patrick Marleau during the first period of an NHL hockey game on Friday, April 11, 2014, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (The Associated Press)

San Jose Sharks' Tomas Hertl, right, of the Czech Republic, is defended by Colorado Avalanche's Marc-Andre Cliche (24) as goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere, left, watches during the first period of an NHL hockey game on Friday, April 11, 2014, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (The Associated Press)

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Marty Havlat scored three goals for the first time in nearly nine years, and the San Jose Sharks prevented Colorado from clinching the Central Division title with a 5-1 victory over the Avalanche on Friday night.

Dan Boyle and Patrick Marleau also scored, and Alex Stalock made 32 saves for the Sharks, who had lost four of six to fall short in their race for first place in the Pacific Division.

Patrick Bordeleau scored the lone goal for the Avalanche, who lost for the first time in regulation since March 21 against Boston. Colorado had gone 8-0-1 in its last nine games to move into a tie for first with St. Louis.

The Avalanche can win the division either by beating Anaheim on Sunday night in the regular-season finale or with a regulation loss by St. Louis earlier Sunday against Detroit.