Sharks-Avs Wrap-Up: Series Three Stars

No, the three stars of this series will not be awarded to the three forwards on the "second" line, but they could be. That line accounted for 22 points, nine of the team's 19 goals, three of the four game-winners, and averaged better than a plus-five.

But this series was far too close for any one line to get all three stars. In examining the three stars of an entire series, they almost cannot be on the same line: Each of those players fed off another, and the star needs to go to the driving force.

And there certainly was no shortage of great players deserving of recognition. On the Sharks alone, one could have found five legitimate stars. For more on the team's candidates, check out my grades for the defence on Shark-Infested Blogger, and look for the follow-up piece there grading Sharks forwards.

Honourable Mention

Evgeni Nabokov had an outstanding series outside of the second period of Game Two (.945 save percentage, 1.35 goals against average), in which he gave up three goals on four shots. Overall, he still had a .926 save pct. and 1.76 GAA, despite three of his 11 goals being of the flukish variety.

Also, as mentioned above, Ryane Clowe (one goal, seven assists, plus-six) and Devin Setoguchi (two, four, plus-four) deserve consideration, as does the Avs' Paul Stastny (one, four, minus-two).

Third Star

Perhaps above the production he brought to the table, Dan Boyle took full responsibility for the fluke goal deflected from his stick in overtime of Game Three.

The reality is that he was one of only three players to blame on the play, and if the offence had been doing its job the play would never have happened. But by taking on the burden, Boyle showed why he is the real captain and compelled his teammates to pick him up.

He also went out and scored the first goal of Game Four, one of two he scored in the series—only one defenceman, Drew Doughty, has more, and his team has been eliminated. His six points are also tied for third among defencemen and tied for best of those still playing, while his plus-five rating is top six on the blueline as well.

Second Star

In a losing effort, Craig Anderson was unbelievable. He carried a team that was missing five forwards for stretches of the series in his first playoff appearance, and left the series between a veteran elite team and a young one that barely made the playoffs in doubt through the first 275-plus minutes of it.

Unfortunately for him, it appears that he could not handle a 190-shot total: Through the first 189 shots, he had a save percentage of .952; in the last 50 shots, he was too worn down and could manage just an .840 pct. Still, for the series he had a .933 pct. and a 2.62 GAA against an elite offence.

First Star

There could be no doubt in this choice. Without Joe Pavelski, the Sharks likely would have been swept out of the playoffs and everyone fired/traded/cut.

The Big Pavelski got the game-tying goal in the final minute of Game Two and was on the ice when the winner was scored in overtime. He scored the overtime winner in Game Four to even the series once again. He scored the two most important goals in the clinching game—the first and the winner.

He also had another goal, three assists, and was plus-six for the series. If he can score more than a point every two games from here on out, Pavelski is a legitimate candidate for the Conn Smythe if the Sharks can get through the Western Conference.

Now with the Sharks having to work their schedule around a planned concert this weekend, I am sure The Dude must really hate the Eagles...