2008 NHL Playoffs: Stars vs Sharks (Game 6 Postgame)

It's over. Finally. It only took the eighth longest game in NHL history. Who else would end it besides Brenden Morrow? He's been absolutely the best player on the ice for the Stars. And that includes Stephane Robidas and Marty Turco. 

The Sharks did not go quietly though. And after Nabokov's save 1:31 into the first overtime on Brad Richard's shot. I thought this series was destined for a seventh game. That save by Evgeni Nabokov was one of the best saves I've ever seen in a playoff game. It was so close that even in his glove, Richards still almost had the series clincher. 

But the Stars had an answer for that as well. Now, the Stars will meet the mighty Red Wings in their first conference finals since 2000. They've knocked off the defending champions and the 2nd seed in the West. Now, they only have to beat the best team in hockey. 

2008 NHL Playoffs: Stars vs Sharks (Game 4 Postgame)

I don't understand the back to back games in the playoffs and you could tell it was affecting the players last night. It had the feel of a game that had gone to overtime. And the Sharks had the fresher legs last night.

After a turnover by the Sharks and a point blank goal by Jere Lehtinen, It felt like the Stars would walk through this game and close out the series. Especially after withstanding the flurry of opportunities in the first period by the Sharks. Marty Turco looked brilliant last night.

But, Zubov made another unforced error which looked eerily similar to the Game 3 error that led to goals by Patrick Marleau. This time the Stars had no answer. The Sharks came out for the third period with a non stop onslaught on Turco and the Stars finally succumbed to a beautiful pass across the crease to Michalek to put the Sharks up for good. The Stars had some opportunities but could not cash in on any of them as they looked a tad off cue all night.

So, the Sharks are on the board and the series now shifts to San Jose for Game 5. It might be fitting that the Stars have to finish this series at their home away from home. Let's hope that trend continues.

2008 NHL Playoffs: Stars vs Sharks (Game 3 Postgame)

The Sharks played like a team down 2-0. Taking an early lead on a Zubov turnover. Everything was pointing toward a vital Game 3 win. But the Stars answered the challenge again. 

Methodically wearing the Sharks down, tying the game on a 5-3 power play, the Sharks fought for their lives to get the game into OT. Unable to sustain any consistent scoring threat, the Sharks barely fought off a furious attack from the Stars and forced the game into OT.  

Nabokov tried to keep the Sharks in the series. He denied several scoring opportunities by Loui Ericksson. But the Stars finally punched it through, once again making sure to close out games when they have the chance. Norstrom scored from the top of the left circle with 4:37 elapsed into OT. 

The Stars now have a deathgrip on the series with a 3-0 lead and four chances to advance to the West Finals. 

2008 NHL Playoffs: Stars vs. Sharks (Game 3 Postgame)

The Sharks brought a lot of pressure in the first period and forced the Stars into a lot of early penalties resulting in an early hole. The Stars responded, twice, to the Sharks attempts to build some momentum in this series. The Sharks posted 31 shots on goal and Turco stopped all but two shots. One goal resulting from questionable judgement by Turco. But the Stars continued their dominance on the Sharks' home ice. 

Brad Richards converted a turnover into an unassisted goal and you can feel the air suck out of the arena. When a power play goal by Modano was converted, off an absolutely gorgeous pass from Zubov, you can almost feel the Sharks' doubts amplify. 

The Stars are playing wonderful hockey right now and have taken a commanding 2-0 lead over the favored Sharks. Every night, it seems like someone new is stepping up. Not counting on one scorer puts a tremendous amount of pressure on opposing teams and Turco is playing brilliantly in net this post season. Hopefully, we can continue to improve on our ice.