Sharks keep Predators at bay with 3-2 win in game 2

Joe Pavelski, File photo by Jack Lima

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Sharks take a two game lead over the Nashville Predators following the 3-2 win in game two of the second round playoffs.

It was a goal tender duel for the first and most of the second period, as neither team was able to find the net. However, late in the second period, Logan Couture scored a power play goal after Rinne couldn’t hold onto a rebound (his fourth of the playoffs) to put the Sharks on the board.

Nashville scored their first goal off the stick of Mattias Ekholm at 12:56 into the third period to give them the equalizer they needed.

Joe Pavelski scored the go-ahead goal at 17:20 when he wristed a loose puck in front of the net past Rinne.

The Sharks put the finishing touch on the game when Joe Thornton won the faceoff in their own zone, and passed the puck up the ice to Pavelski. Thornton skated up the ice and took a pass from Pavelski and scored an empty net goal.

Ryan Johansen scored after a barrage of shots on Martin Jones, with an extra skater on the ice, with four seconds remaining, but it wouldn’t be enough for the Predators.

The Predators outshot the Sharks 39-25 during the game.