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HomeSportsNashville Predators comeback falls short against San Jose Sharks 5-4

Nashville Predators comeback falls short against San Jose Sharks 5-4

Nashville PredatorsClarksville, TN -The Nashville Predators came roaring back from a 3-0 first period deficit, taking a 4-3 lead in the third period, only to come up short to the San Jose Sharks, 5-4.

Joe Thornton scored his 400th career goal for the game winner for the Sharks.

The Predators came out extremely flat in the first period, in game two of a back-to-back series after losing to the Anaheim Ducks last night, and found themselves outplayed by San Jose and down 3-0 after the first frame.

San Jose, CA, USA; Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) makes a save against San Jose Sharks left wing Evander Kane (9) during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. ( Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports)
San Jose, CA, USA; Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) makes a save against San Jose Sharks left wing Evander Kane (9) during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. ( Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports)

In the second period, a different team emerged from the locker room and took command of the game, when Craig Smith broke the ice for Nashville with his goal at 4:43 of the period and the Predators were on the board, 3-1.  Smith slammed his stick on the ice to vent some frustration for the team after their first period lapse.

Filip Forsberg then did what Filip Forsberg does, and scored his first of two goals on the night at 5:23 of the second period and suddenly the Predators were within a goal against the home team Sharks, 3-2.

Forsbergs second goal of the night came at 17:52 of the second period on an assist from Craig Smith and suddenly the game was tied, 3-3.  The momentum had clearly swung in the favor of the Western Conference Champion Predators and it was “game on”.

When the teams returned for the final period, the Predators had their second wind, and the adrenaline was pumping as they became the more aggressive team, challenging the Sharks at every opportunity. 

Rocco Grimaldi then scored his first goal of the season for the Predators at 2:43 of the third and suddenly, Nashville had its first lead of the game, 4-3.  

San Jose was not to be denied on this night though, and with superstars like Brent Burns, Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski running the show, you feared that the Sharks still had something in the tank for the Predators.

At 13:05 of the final frame, Pavelski scored to even the score 4-4 on Nashville.  Then just 13 seconds later, Thornton scored the game winner to put the Sharks ahead 5-4 and that would be the final margin for the night.

Thornton secured his 400th goal of his career on this night in what’s been a certain Hall of Fame career, and he showed that tonight.

Nashville will conclude their five game road trip when they visit the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday night.  Puck drops at 8:00 pm central time.

Injury note:  P.K Subban left the contest in the second period and never returned to the bench the rest of the game.  Preds officials have had no comment on his condition.  Nashville is still without some key players due to injury, including Viktor Arvidsson who was injured during the Dallas game on Saturday.  

The Predators will return to Smashville on Saturday night to host the L A Kings at Bridgestone Arena.  Puck drop will be at 7pm.

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