Sharks vs. Predators: Game 3 Live Score, Highlights for 2016 NHL Playoffs

Nashville 4, San Jose 1 (San Jose leads series 2-1) 

The Nashville Predators cruised to a victory in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series with the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night. 

Nashville cut its series deficit to 2-1 behind goals from James Neal, Shea Weber, Colin Wilson and Filip Forsberg.

The Sharks drew first blood at Bridgestone Arena as Patrick Marleau chased down a loose puck and beat Pekka Rinne 13 minutes into the first period.

Nashville leveled the contest with just over five minutes gone in the second period by way of Neal's third postseason tally. Nine minutes later, Weber sent a blistering slapshot past San Jose goalie Martin Jones and off the post.

A wide-open Wilson extended Nashville's advantage to two goals in the third period when he pounced on a rebound from close range. Forsberg netted the Predators' fourth unanswered tally with four minutes and 11 seconds left in the game to secure his team's first victory of the series. 

Nashville and San Jose will return to the ice Thursday for Game 4 at Bridgestone Arena. 

Follow Joe on Twitter @JTansey90.