The San Jose Sharks were served their first piece of humble pie in their series against the Red Wings during Game Four. Giving up five goals in the first period on their way to a 7-1 loss at the Joe Louis Arena during what was the first elimination game was an eye opener for the Sharks and goaltender Evgeni Nabokov.
Sharks Goaltender Evgeni Nabokov Needs To Bounce Back From Game Four Loss
Nabokov is the key player for the Sharks in Saturday night’s Game Five. If he bounces back and plays a good game, his performance in Game Four will be quickly forgotten. If not, the stigma of the Sharks being a team that ultimately chokes in the playoffs starts to creep back on this team. From the San Jose Mercury News:
But if the Sharks lose, and Nabokov is slightly off, then they have to go back to Detroit for Game 6. And if they lose there, it’s back here for Game 7.
Maybe that’s why Nabokov chose silence Friday - he didn’t want to go down that road, and he knew he might start if he spoke to the media.
That was probably wise, but also does nothing to alleviate the pressure, which we all know will build until the Sharks do something to end it.
The Sharks have their second chance to close out the series against the Red Wings on Game Five.
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