SAN JOSE, CA – MARCH 11: Nashville Predators right wing James Neal celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal in a NHL hockey game between the Nashville Predators and the San Jose sharks on March 11, 2017 at the SAP Center in San Jose, CA. The Predators beat the Sharks, 3-1. (Photo by Tommy LaPorte/Icon Sportswire) (Icon Sportswire via AP Images)

By Barbara Mason

SAN JOSE–After beating the top dog Washington Capitols 4-2 off a brilliant performance by Logan Couture, the San Jose Sharks took on the Nashville Predators in an afternoon game at SAP Center. The Predators had a lot to play for since they are currently fighting for a wild card spot. San Jose in turn needs to continue their winning ways to solidify their first place position. As the season heads into the home stretch the race to the playoffs is in full earnest. The Sharks have a seven point lead on the second place Anaheim Ducks which is the largest lead for any first place team in the NHL. With the arsenal of weapons that the Sharks possess it looks very promising for a another run deep into the playoffs.

The Predators are struggling of late losing their last four games. While this game is of far more importance to Nashville, San Jose will be onboard for a nice showing in front of their home crowd.

Despite a slow start for both teams the play got heated when at 6:18 the Sharks took a 1-0 lead when Paul Martin scored his 4th goal of the season. He was assisted by Joe Thornton. At 12;10 the Predators tied up the game off the stick of Ryan Johansen for his 11th goal of the season. He was assisted by Roman Josi. The first period would come to an end tied. San Jose had taken more shots on goal with 11 to Nashville’s seven.

The second period started slowly much as did the first period. There was not much going on until 10:08 when James Neal put Nashville in the lead 2-1 scoring his 19th goal of the season. He was assisted by Colin Wilson. The game would go back into hibernation for the rest of the period. This game was stuck in reverse for the Sharks.

Mid-way through the third period the low-energy continued for San Jose. Neither team could muster very much in way of scoring chances although the Sharks had a couple, one of which seemed like a “for sure” goal. It was not the kind of Shark hockey that we have become accustomed to and San Jose would have to work very hard to even tie up this game. San Jose had the perfect chance to tie up the game when goalie Martin Jones left the ice. A missed San Jose pass resulted in a Nashville empty net goal by Viktor Arvidsson.

Going on the power play with 2:30 left in the game Arvidsson and the Predators would break their four game losing streak winning 3-1.

San Jose will take on the Dallas Stars tomorrow night at SAP. The puck drops at 7:00 PDT.