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Predators hope to close road trip by beating the Sharks

Dec 9, 2006 - 6:04 PM Nashville (18-7-3) at San Jose (20-9-0) 10:30 pm EST

SAN JOSE, California (Ticker) -- The Nashville Predators usually enjoy their travels across North America. But they're headed to a place they have rarely thrived.

The Predators hope to gain a split of their four-game road swing Saturday when they close the trip against the San Jose Sharks.

Although they are tied with the Buffalo Sabres for most road victories (12), Nashville opened the journey by falling to the Phoenix Coyotes on Monday before being blanked by the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday.

Scott Hartnell scored his 11th goal in his 400th career game and Martin Erat collected three assists for the Predators, who scored four times on special teams in Thursday's 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.

Leading-scorer Steve Sullivan, who has 27 points, is listed as doubtful after suffering a groin injury against Los Angeles.

Clinging to a three-point lead over the Detroit Red Wings in the Central Division, Nashville has lost four visits to San Jose dating to December 7, 2002.

After a recent five-game winning streak, the Sharks have dropped two straight and are 12 points behind Anaheim in the Pacific Division race.

Reigning Hart and Art Ross Trophy winner Joe Thornton scored a power-play goal and Jonathan Cheechoo added his eighth of the season for San Jose in Thursday's 5-2 los to the Colorado Avalanche.

The Sharks are 9-3-0 at home and are playing eight of their next nine games there.

Hartnell scored twice and Paul Kariya added a goal and an assist for Nashville in a 4-2 win over San Jose in their previous battle October 26.