Sharks-Predators: Preds Hang Tough, Sharks Win In Shootout

Another night, another loss, another point. Nashville played well in a game against the Pacific Division Winners, but in the end just couldn't find the offense they needed to pull out a win.

Give the Preds a lot of credit. Still without Jason Arnott, their leading goal scorer, Joel Ward scored again, and Vernon Fiddler scored a short-handed goal with a beautiful backhand.

Rob Blake and Milan Michalek both scored in the first period for the Sharks, and Jonathan Cheechoo scored the winning goal in the shootout.

The game was about the goaltenders, however, with the Sharks' Evgeni Nabokov making 24 saves on 26 shots, and Predator's goalie Pekka Rinne making 34 saves on 36 shots.

As far as the Predators were concerned the game was not a complete waste. They gained a point despite losing in a shootout, and Rinne played spectacularly against a great Sharks team.

Joel Ward showed flashes of being a solid goal scorer for the Preds down the home-stretch of the regular season.

Next up for the Preds, the Anaheim Ducks in Nashville. Nashville dropped an OT game to the Ducks on Wednesday night.

Notes from the Game:

The Sharks' Brad Staubitz had a bout against Predators' Jordin Tootoo in the second period that left Tootoo heading to the locker room until the third period, landing as many as five consecutive right hands to the nose of Tootoo.

Staubitz has been a major asset for the Sharks in terms of his toughness. Tootoo will be back at it again in no time, don't be surprised if these two go at it again next Thursday when the Sharks visit Nashville.