The San Jose Sharks dropped a 2-1 lead in the 3rd period to lose Game 2 against the Dallas Stars 5-2. They now have to dig themselves out of a hole as they head to Dallas for Game 3. And while the key players, such as Mike Modano, Marty Turco, Brad Richards and Mike Ribeiro, have all stepped it up in the playoffs, the key players for the Sharks have done the exact opposite. Evgeni Nabokov is a favourite to win the Vezina Trophy for his impressive season where he lead in wins, but against the Stars he hasn't really impressed anyone.
But though the Sharks definately need more from their star goalie, Nabokov is far from their biggest problem. When asked if he needed more from his captain, a very irritated Ron Wilson responded, "No." Then he walked off mubeling something about all the questions always being so negative. Sharks captain, Patrick Marleau, kept up his sub-par performance from Game 1, where he jumped over a shot instead of blocking it. That is not acceptable in the playoffs, if ever.
I realize that I predicted San Jose would beat Calgary in seven games to advance to the second round but, with the facts in hand I am surprised they pulled it off considering how poorly they played. Against Dallas they haven't stepped it up an inch and I would not be surprised if this series ends in Dallas.
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