Predators vs. Sharks: Game 1 Live Score, Highlights from 2016 NHL Playoffs

San Jose 5, Nashville 2 (San Jose leads series 1-0)

The relentless pressure of the San Jose Sharks paid off in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Nashville Predators. 

San Jose fell behind in the second period, but it continued to throw shots at Pekka Rinne before a quintet of goals in the third period sent the home crowd at the SAP Center home happy. 

Mike Fisher opened the scoring for the Predators, who won Game 7 against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night, with his second goal of the postseason in the second period. 

The flurry of San Jose tallies in the third period began with Tomas Hertl's blast from close range with two minutes and 37 seconds off the clock in the final stanza. 

Joel Ward handed the Sharks a one-goal advantage with some crafty stick work around the pad of Rinne near the right post. Logan Couture followed four minutes later with a tally from the middle of the ice. 

Ryan Johansen handed the Predators a lifeline on a weird goal that saw Roman Josi's shot bounce off Johansen's head with one minute and 49 seconds remaining.

San Jose made sure the added pressure from the visitors was short lived as Couture and Tommy Wingels scored empty-net tallies 41 seconds apart. 

The two teams will return to the ice on Sunday for Game 2 at the SAP Center. 

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