Second Period Dooms San Jose Sharks in 3-0 Loss to Nashville Predators

The San Jose Sharks outplayed the Nashville Predators in the both the first and third periods, but the second period was surely one to forget in a disturbing 3-0 home loss to another inferior opponent. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

The San Jose Sharks outplayed the Nashville Predators in the both the first and third periods, but the second period was surely one to forget in a disturbing 3-0 home loss to another inferior opponent.

Patric Hornqvist scored twice and Roman Jossi netted the third goal in the second, a period which saw the Sharks squander away two power play opportunities and fail to record a single scoring chance at even strength. It was also no coincidence that the Predators’ first two goals came directly following a Sharks’ power play. Hornqvist’s first goal came on a rebound in front of the net off a shot by Colin Wilson, and his second goal was a one-timer that beat Antti Niemi after a great feed from Nick Spaling. Josi’s marker at the 13:16 marker gave the Predators a three-goal advantage, capping off what has to be the worst period of the season for the Sharks.

San Jose then went on to dominate the third period, outshooting Nashville 19-7, but could not get anything past Predators’ goalie Carter Hutton, who stopped all 35 shots that he faced.

There is really no excuse for the Sharks to lose this game. It’s one thing to conserve energy after they’ve clinched a playoff spot, but it’s another thing to be embarrassed by an inferior opponent on home ice when they still have a chance at winning the division.

Tale of the Tape

Sharks:

• Shots on goal: 35
• Power play: 0-for-2
• Hits: 33
• Giveaways: 20
• Takeaways: 13
• Faceoffs won: 31

Predators:

• Shots on goal: 24
• Power play: 0-for-1
• Hits: 28
• Giveaways: 6
• Takeaways: 2
• Faceoffs won: 41

Good to Know

What’s on Tap

The Sharks will have a few days to mull over this loss before a big game against the Anaheim Ducks on the road on Wednesday.