Sharks vs. Predators: Game 7 Live Score, Highlights for 2016 NHL Playoffs

San Jose 5, Nashville 0 (San Jose wins series 4-3) 

The San Jose Sharks dominated Game 7 of their Western Conference semifinal series with the Nashville Predators from start to finish on Thursday night. 

The Game 7 victory was the first in a win-or-go-home game for the Sharks since they beat the Detroit Red Wings in 2011.

San Jose outshot the visiting Predators 27-20, and Nashville didn't put its 10th shot on goal until the midway point of the third period.

Joe Pavelski started the rout nine minutes into the first period as he sent Patrick Marleau's assist past Pekka Rinne, who made 21 saves before he was pulled after the fifth goal. 

Joel Ward became the second San Jose player to put his name on the scoresheet as he struck the back of the net from the left side of the ice with just over three minutes remaining in the first. 

Logan Couture wrapped up the series victory 36 seconds into the second period as he handed the Sharks a three-goal advantage on home ice. Joe Thornton and Marleau added to San Jose's growing tally at the start of the third period. 

Martin Jones preserved the shutout for the Sharks with a strong effort in the third period, when the Predators finally came to life in the attacking zone. Jones earned San Jose's first playoff shutout since 2010, when Evgeni Nabokov blanked the Colorado Avalanche, per Josh Dubow of the Associated Press. 

San Jose starts the Western Conference Final against the St. Louis Blues on Sunday night in St. Louis. 

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.