SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The Sharks ended a four-game losing streak with the help of Nils Ekman's career-best four assists in the 5-2 win over Colorado at HP Pavilion.

Joe Thornton scored twice with one assist and Jonathan Cheechoo had one of each for San Jose.

Vesa Toskala stopped 20 shots.

Joe Sakic and Alex Tanguay both scored but the Avalanche lost their second-in-a-row and third of last four games.

David Aebischer stopped 38 shots in the loss.