text: Predators lose to Sharks, slip in standings
  SAN JOSE, Calif. – Only days ago, the Predators were sitting alone atop the National Hockey League.
  But after Thursday's 2-0 loss to San Jose, they can no longer even claim first place in the Central Division – for the first time since Jan. 3.
  The Blues and Predators are now tied atop the Central with 91 points apiece, but St. Louis holds the tiebreaker edge because it has played two fewer games than Nashville.
  "We were first in the league and you want to fight for that position," defenseman Roman Josi said. "We have to get back our winning ways and win some games."
  The Predators hoped they were back on a winning track after edging Arizona 2-1 in overtime on Monday, snapping a six-game losing streak. But despite outplaying the Sharks for the majority of Thursday's game at SAP Center – and outshooting them 35-21 – they never found a way to beat goalie Antti Niemi.
  The last of many good opportunities came with just 1:46 remaining and San Jose ahead 1-0, but Niemi turned away Mike Fisher's open shot from the high slot. Tommy Wingels ended matters by scoring an empty-netter with 59 seconds remaining.
  "It's unfortunate to lose a game like that," forward Colin Wilson said. "But if we keep playing like that – I think we got back to the way we normally play – I don't think we'll be losing games very often."
  It was the first time the Predators had been shut out in 21 games, dating back to Jan. 30.
  Nashville had a pair of power plays in the third period, but failed to muster a goal. The Predators are now 0-for-17 on the power play over the last six games and 2-for-37 over the past 12.
  The Sharks, on the other hand, scored the decisive goal on the power play.
  Forward Tomas Hertl, who'd had a goal waved off for goalie interference in the first period, got a measure of redemption in the second. When the rebound of Justin Braun's shot from the point skittered across the top of the crease, Hertl was there to pick it up and stuff it in the net.
  "We knew their power play was good, and in this league, you can't take that many penalties," captain Shea Weber said after the Predators were whistled for four penalties. "When you do take that many, they're going to make you pay. That ended up being the difference. ... Our power play has to score and our penalty kill has to be good as well."