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Predators drop Sharks for fifth straight win

Jan 9, 2011 - 6:29 AM San Jose, CA (Sports Network) - Sergei Kostitsyn scored the go-ahead goal in the third period to lift the Nashville Predators to a 2-1 win over the San Jose Sharks at HP Pavilion.

David Legwand also lit the lamp for the Predators, who have ripped off five straight victories, outscoring their opponents, 19-6, in that span. Nashville totaled five goals during a five-game slide that preceded its win streak.

Pekka Rinne was superb between the pipes for Nashville, recording 42 saves.

"We're winning with a combination of good goaltending and team defense," said Nashville head coach Barry Trotz.

Rookie Logan Couture found the back of the net for the Sharks, who have lost four straight at home. Antti Niemi stopped 24 shots in defeat.

"The two points got away from us. That's the sad part, but you just try to draw on the positives after the effort tonight," said San Jose head coach Todd McLellan.

Kostitsyn buried the rebound of a Patric Hornqvist shot past Niemi's glove to give Nashville a one-goal lead at the 6:23 mark of the third period. Kostitsyn scored for the fifth consecutive game.

San Jose pressed for the tying marker and it nearly materialized, but Couture's bid inside the final minute hit the crossbar.

Legwand put the Predators on the board at 13:10 of the first period. The Sharks pulled even on Couture's 19th goal of the season at 4:35 of the middle stanza. The former first-rounder leads all rookies in that category.

Game Notes

San Jose was 0-for-2 on the power play...The Sharks weren't assessed a penalty in the game...Kostitsyn has five goals and four assists during a six-game point streak.