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At a Glance

Can Sharks continue to outlive superior species?

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Posted: Wednesday April 26, 2000 08:34 PM

By David Vecsey, CNNSI.com

There are two ways for the Dallas Stars to approach this series. They could say, "Wow, great! The Sharks knocked off the Blues." Or they could say, "Yikes! The Sharks knocked off the Blues."

Chances are, even with guarded caution, the Stars are happy with this turn of events. Sure, no team wants to get involved with a upset-minded band of us-against-the-world underdogs. But is it any worse than facing a well-rested, well-motivated Colorado team that has won 18 of its last 22 games?

The Sharks, meanwhile, can continue to play without pressure. They've already knocked off the Presidents' Trophy winners, now they can set their beady, little eyes on the defending champs.

Big D in Big D

Were you wondering just what was going on when Edmonton got back-to-back hat tricks from Doug Weight and Bill Guerin? Well, don't forget that Dallas was without its best defenseman, Sergei Zubov, and its Selke Trophy winner, Jere Lehtinen. With both of them back in the lineup against San Jose, things should tighten up a little in front of Ed Belfour, who clearly is only dominant when not facing too many shots.

Public enemy No. 1

It's a little in the past, but not too far for Dallas fans. Sharks defenseman Bryan Marchment is sure to be the center of attention at Reunion Arena, still loathed for nearly decapitating Mike Modano in the regular season and crippling Joe Nieuwendyk in the playoffs two years ago.

Give Steve Shields a nod for the Thick Skin Award. After an absolutely miserable Game 6 against St. Louis, Shields went into Kiel Center for Game 7 and re-earned the respect of his teammates with what should have been a shutout in the series clincher.

Darryl Sutter was in the running for the Adams earlier this year; then he was in the running for the unemployment line. With another series win - especially against the defending champs - he likely will be able to write his own ticket, whether it be to stay in San Jose or move on his own terms.

San Jose's luck Have you ever seen so many fluke goals? A Blues defender THROWS the puck into his own net ... Ricci scores on a centering pass and off somebody's rump ... Nolan nets one from the red line ... Suter's game-winner bounces in from the blue line. I want these guys on my flight. Ed Belfour Give up more than 25 shots and The Eagle's save percentage goes way down Owen Nolan After a bounce-back season, Nolan played like a baby bull in the first round

Sharks' bruising tactics will infuriate - and possibly beat - Dallas.

 

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