An empty net goal by Joe Thornton was the difference in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals, as the San Jose Sharks defeated the Nashville Predators 3-2. The Sharks successfully defended their home-ice and will head to Tennessee with a 2-0 series lead.
Nashville looked much stronger than they did Friday night, much of that to the credit of Craig Smith, who returned to the lineup after missing the first game. Through the first forty minutes, Nashville out-shot San Jose 26-17 but were held scoreless by the stellar goaltending from Martin Jones.