Game 2

Nabokov's performance tonight is the kind of play that is needed to win the Cup. While his 3rd period save on Nolan was jaw dropping, his two key saves (a backdoor play and another a 2 on 1 ) in the first period kept the Sharks in it. I had expected the Sharks to come out with some fire after game 1, but they still looked shaky being outshot and outplayed in the first few minutes.

I know a certain contributor on this site loves to rip 'his boy', but the Sharks really are missing Christian Ehrhoff. While renown for his inability to hit the net consistently, he has improved tremendously this year (along with Murray) especially in his own zone. Next to Campbell, he is one of the better skaters on the Sharks blueline. Ehrhoff has that ability to skate it out of his own zone when all the passing lanes are covered.

In the meantime, my 'boy' Kyle Mac was more physical and played better-albeit his patented hip check didn't stop anyone tonight. Matt Carle is an upgrade from Semenov and made a great play to swat the puck away from Nolan to prevent a breakaway. Of course, that was followed by a boneheaded pass to nobody on the point. The Sharks D still makes me cringe as they can be caught flat footed and make very poor break out passes.

Sunday's game against Calgary should be fun at the Saddledome. The best road team in the NHL should be focused and ready to go. No more first game jitters. This series is on.

(*We would like to thank the Golden State Warriors for participating in the 2007-2008 regular season. Warrior fans may commiserate at their local sports bars and pick up souvenirs
at the gift shops. Fans interested in following a real team with any potential, should switch over to the men on ice.)