San Jose, CA (Sports Network) - Rookie center Logan Couture paced the offense with a pair of goals, while Evgeni Nabokov made 28 saves, as the top-seeded San Jose Sharks dominated the eighth-seeded Colorado Avalanche, 5-0, in Game 5 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series.
Sharks Finally Bare Teeth In Dominating Performance
Patrick Marleau had a goal and an assist for the Sharks, who now lead the series 3-2. Dwight Helminen and Joe Pavelski also lit the lamp for San Jose, which leads for the first time in this best-of-seven series.
Nabokov posted his seventh career playoff shutout in the most one-sided game of this matchup. The first four games were decided by just one goal and the previous three tilts ended in overtime.
The Sharks are trying to avoid losing to an eighth seed in the opening round for the second straight season. Last year, San Jose entered the playoffs fresh off a 117-point season that netted them the Presidents' Trophy and high expectations, but the Sharks dropped the first two games against the Anaheim Ducks and wound up losing the series in six.
Colorado's Craig Anderson turned aside 29-of-33 shots before being pulled late in the third period for Peter Budaj, who made three saves.
The Avalanche are trying to become the third eight seed in five seasons to knock off a top-seeded club.
Game 6 is scheduled for Saturday in Colorado.
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