If Sharks’ goaltender Evgeni Nabokov continues playing the way he has recently, head coach Ron Wilson may finally be able to stick with one goaltender throughout his team’s post-season journey.
Nabokov stopped 22 shots for his third shutout in his last four games as the San Jose Sharks defeated the Edmonton Oilers 3-0 on Sunday night.
Nabokov, who has been playing in place of injured goal-keeper Vesa Toskala, has a remarkable .982 save percentage while allowing an average of 0.49 goals in his last four games.
“You’ve got to give them credit, they were playing hard,” said Nabokov. “We didn’t get too many clean opportunities. We were working like it was a playoff game, and we found a way to win.”
While the game finished 3-0, it was a one-goal game all the way up until the 16:09 mark of the third period. Defenseman Kyle McLaren blasted a shot that glanced off of an Oiler’s stick and into the top right corner of the net, while defenseman Matt Carle scored an empty netter with 0:40 seconds remaining in the regulation.
Right wing Steve Bernier scored what ended up being the game-winner midway in the first period, just 0:35 seconds after teammate Jonathan Cheechoo had a goal disallowed by kicking the puck into the net. Bernier’s goal was a sign of things to come, as the Sharks’ fourth line dominated the Oilers’ defense all night.
“We know that they have a lot of people hurt,” said Bernier. “They have a really good and big defense. The only way to beat them is to finish every check and make sure that we put pressure on the puck. I guess that’s pretty much what we did the whole game.”
The Sharks were also able to take advantage of an under-manned Edmonton team. Regulars Steve Staios and Ales Hemsky were out of the line-up with injuries, among others. The Sharks’ fourth line was able to pound the Edmonton defense by getting a few big hits from both Bernier and linemate Ryan Clowe.”Yeah, [Bernier’s] line dominated every shift that they were on the ice,” said Wilson. “We knew they only had five defenseman. We wanted to wear them down, and I think we did.”
Newly acquired defenseman Craig Rivet also provided another solid effort. Rivet not only assisted on the final goal, but rang a laser off the post with eight minutes remaining in the first period.
“We’re very pleased with [Rivet],” said Wilson. “Doug [Wilson] was able to pry him from Montreal, and he’s been a good defenseman for a long time. He can shoot, skate and sees the ice well.”
While the Oilers’ offense seemed to struggle for most of the game, the Sharks defense stayed focused, making sure not to give them many clear shots at net.
“It’s hockey,” said Nabokov. “Anything can be tipped, any shot can bounce around…but I think we played pretty well and hard.”The Sharks will host the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
