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Evgeni Nabokov made 21 saves in his sixth career postseason shutout and the Sharks’ defeated the Calgary Flames 2-0 on Thursday night. The series is now all square at one game apiece.¹

Nabokov first played professional hockey in Russia, starting in 1991. He was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the 1994 NHL Draft, however continued to play in Russia for the following three seasons, playing for Dynamo Moscow in the Russian Hockey Super League.²

Born in Ust-Kamenogorsk, USSR, Nabokov starred in his home town before moving on to the more heralded Dynamo Moscow squad. Chosen 219th overall by San Jose in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, Nabokov came to North America and played solidly for the AHL’s Kentucky Thoroughblades in 1997-98.³

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Nabokov would love to play both of the Sharks’ final games, but not just for a record. Ever since he took charge of the Sharks’ net during his Calder Trophy-winning rookie year in 2000-01, this otherwise unflappable goalie has seethed just a bit whenever he had to sit out any game at any point in any season.⁵

The Sharks disappointed in Game 6 on Sunday. And if you were looking for angst and despondence in the wake of that loss, the Sharks disappointed again Monday afternoon.⁶

San Jose’s win and Dallas’ loss to Columbus again tightened the three-team race atop the Pacific Division. The Stars lead with 61 points, while Anaheim has 60 and San Jose 59.⁷