By: Bajram Hysa                                                                       Facebook        Twitter        Google +
San Jose Sharks' Joe Pavelski (8) celebrates his goal with teammates Brad Stuart (7), Brent Burns (88) and Justin Braun (61) during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, in San Jose, Calif.


SAN JOSE, Calif. –  Joe Pavelski scored two goals to extend his run of strong play and the San Jose Sharks beat Jimmy Howard for the ninth straight time in the regular season with a 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night.

Dan Boyle and Andrew Desjardins also scored for the Sharks, who bounced back after losing two of three on a recent road trip. Antti Niemi made 24 saves to beat the Red Wings for the fourth straight time with just three goals allowed in that span.

Tomas Tatar scored for the Red Wings, who began a tough three-game California swing with a loss. Detroit follows up this game with weekend visits to Los Angeles and Anaheim. The three California teams have just six regulation losses in 63 home games this season.

Howard made 19 saves but allowed three goals in the second period to end his night.