Willam Eklund at game warm-up at SAP Center on April 4, 2026 (Sharks Media)

By Fernando Abarca

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The San Jose Sharks’ four-game winning streak ended in disappointment as they fell short in a high-stakes matchup against the Nashville Predators 6-3, missing an opportunity to strengthen their push for a Western Conference wild-card spot.

Both teams entered the night with similar postseason aspirations, but Nashville carried early momentum after a hard-fought shootout game against the Los Angeles Kings. That edge showed immediately.

The Predators took control in the first period, capitalizing on special teams and defensive lapses to build a commanding lead. Filip Forsberg scored twice, while Steven Stamkos added a late power-play goal to give Nashville a 3-0 advantage after one.

San Jose responded with urgency in the second period, showing resilience and physicality. William Eklund set the tone with an edge in his play, and the Sharks began to generate offensive pressure.

Their breakthrough came off a determined sequence behind the net, as Eklund created a turnover that led to a Nick Leddy goal, cutting the deficit to 3-1.

The Sharks continued to push. Rookie Macklin Celebrini sparked another scoring play, linking up with Colin Graf before finishing from the slot to bring San Jose within one. The surge shifted momentum, with the Sharks closing the period looking like a completely different team.

San Jose carried that energy into the third period, where Alexander Wennberg completed the comeback, erasing the three-goal deficit and tying the game at three.

But Nashville answered.

Ryan O’Reilly restored the lead with 11:32 remaining, beating goaltender Yaroslav Askarov with a quick snap shot to make it 4-3.

The Sharks had a late power-play opportunity to equalize but were unable to convert. Nashville sealed the victory with two empty-net goals in the final minutes from Erik Haula and Tyson Jost.

The loss deals a setback to San Jose’s playoff hopes as the regular season winds down, while Nashville strengthens its position in the tightly contested wild-card race.

The fifth game at home continues this Monday night over Chicago Blackhawks