PREDATORS 2, SHARKS 1

(01-08) 21:56 PST -- The Sharks certainly have not enjoyed any kind of home-ice advantage lately, as the visiting Predators extended San Jose's home losing streak to four games with a 2-1 win Saturday.

Rookie Logan Couture scored the lone goal for the Sharks, who have dropped three straight home games this week. The Sharks have scored just four goals in their four consecutive home losses, which include two shutouts.

"I don't know what the answer is," defenseman Dan Boyle said. "The last thing we need on this hockey team is to feel sorry for ourselves. It's very important that we stay together and not go, 'Why us?' or 'Why me?' I think we have to find a way."

A shutout loss to Buffalo on Thursday night prompted a scolding from general manager Doug Wilson, who has grown frustrated by the inconsistent play from last year's Western Conference runners-up.

That failed to lead to a better result Saturday. The Sharks had a chance to take the lead early in the third period, but Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne made a nice stop on Devin Setoguchi's shot from the side of the net. Rinne, who finished with 42 saves, also stopped Joe Thornton from in close on a power play.

Sergei Kostitsyn then broke the tie by scoring in his fifth straight game. Kostitsyn beat Jason Demers to the rebound of a shot by Patric Hornqvist at the side of the net and knocked it past Antti Niemi to give the Predators a 2-1 lead 6:23 into the third.

Rinne was tested throughout the rest of the third period, making a tough save against Patrick Marleau a few minutes after Kostitsyn's goal, then stopping shots from Setoguchi and Thornton on a 3-on-2. Couture hit the post in the closing seconds.

"Our goaltender stole this one for us," Predators coach Barry Trotz said.

This article appeared on page B - 9 of the San Francisco Chronicle