Sharks Pull Even

St. Louis vs. San Jose
series

"I think we know it's a long series," Thornton said. "It's probably going to be a seven-game battle and tonight we just wanted to keep our composure, play a little tighter defense and keep out of the penalty box."

The hero of the game was Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov, who recorded his first playoff shutout stopping all 28 shots.

"He is really solid," Sharks coach Darryl Sutter said. "Everyone is making a big deal about him being a rookie, but he is 25 or 26 now and with the experience he got in Europe and here, he makes the big saves. And he gave our team the confidence that we needed and we can build on."

Last year, San Jose also won Game Two in St. Louis and went on to stun the top-seeded Blues in seven games in the first round.

"Both series are starting out similar, but we have to keep focused on the job at hand, here and now," Sutter said.

Game 3 is Monday in San Jose.