The Sharks out performed the Predators. The Predators outworked the Sharks. Martin Jones was the difference maker in this game. Again, great job by San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson on the offseason move.

The big scorers in this game were Roman Josi for the Nashville Predators and the first line of Pavelski-Thornton-Couture for the Sharks. Josi had assists on both of the Predators goals and each member of that line for the Sharks scored a goal, with Thornton scoring his second of the playoffs and the GWG.

Four of the goals came in the fourth period, all in the later half. What a rush that must have been, and though the goaltenders held up equally, the goal by San Jose in the second turned out to be hugely important.

The Predators put up 39 shots and 46 hits. When they had the puck they were giving it to Martin Jones who continually came up a brick wall, and when they didn’t, which was most of the time – you don’t get to 46 hits and have more possession than your opponent – they were just hitting the Sharks and the Sharks were moving the puck.

Neither team afforded the other many shots at an extra man – the Predators came up empty on three chances and the Sharks scored one out of two – as the teams looked more disciplined after the fight. I guess getting out the demons helped the teams focus, and neither went after the other team in illegal ways – the Predators did go heavily after the Sharks, but the success in number of hits lead to failure in number of goals.

Both teams defenses worked their butts off, both teams blocking more than 20 shots – 24 for the Predators, 25 for the Sharks – in order to help their goaltenders. Neither team wants to give up on this series, and even with a 2-0 lead in the series, the Sharks should not ease off the gas. The Predators are going to get desperate, and it’s a desperate team that has defeated the Sharks in the past. What the Sharks don’t need right now is another reverse sweep.

This series could go to seven if the Predators find a way to get their offense past Martin Jones. If not… this Sharks team is one that looks capable of going all the way, even versus a talented team from the East.