NHL: San Jose 5, Dallas 2

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 21 (UPI) -- Joe Pavelski had a goal and two assists Saturday, boosting the San Jose Sharks to a 5-2 victory over the Dallas Stars.

The goal, his 21st, came unassisted and gave San Jose a 3-1 lead at 14:17 of the second period. Pavelski also assisted on goals by Devin Setoguchi (26) in the first and Milan Michalek (21) in the second.

Joe Thornton scored his 23rd goal of the season on a power play. Setoguchi and Patrick Marleau (empty net) both had a goal and an assist.

Netminder Evgeni Nabokov made 23 saves on 25 shots for the Pacific Division champion Sharks, who have beaten Dallas five times in six encounters this season.

Nabokov improved to 4

Loui Eriksson and Stephane Robidas scored once apiece for Dallas.

Goalie Marty Turco was beaten four times on 29 shots for the Stars, who have lost three in a row.