Sharks 3 - 1 Predators
Final
  for this game

Pavelski leads Sharks past Predators

Oct 26, 2011 - 5:58 AM Nashville, TN (Sports Network) - Joe Pavelski scored the go-ahead goal just 57 seconds after Craig Smith tied it, then added an empty-netter to seal the San Jose Sharks' 3-1 victory over the Nashville Predators.

While on the power play, Smith banged home his own rebound with 6:48 remaining in the third period for a 1-1 game. The Sharks, eyeing their third straight win, quickly answered when Pavelski came out from behind the net and beat Pekka Rinne with a backhand.

"You work hard all game to get a goal...and they score right away. It kills the momentum," Predators head coach Barry Trotz said.

Pavelski's empty-netter with 1:12 left capped the win, which was credited to Antti Niemi following his 19-save performance.

Rinne, coming off a shutout at Calgary, finished with 33 saves.

Logan Couture's shorthanded tally at 14:22 of the opening period gave San Jose a 1-0 lead it did not relinquish until late in the third.

At the tail end of Justin Braun's holding penalty, Couture scored on a rebound of Martin Havlat's shot.

Game Notes

San Jose is unbeaten on a six-game road trip and will also take on the Red Wings, Islanders and Rangers on the trek...Rinne is still two wins away from 100 for his career...Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton each assisted on both of Pavelski's goals.






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