Stars Take First Bite

San Jose
Sharks

"With the week off, we talked about having to play a real good first 20 minutes," Stars center Mike Modano said. "I felt we picked it up where we left off (against Edmonton), and that's a real great sign."

Sergei Zubov returned to the Stars lineup and quickly resumed running their power-play unit with two assists.

"When he's able to start with the puck, it opens things up for everyone," Modano said. "He really dictates the speed of the game."

Ed Belfour stopped 18 shots for his ninth career postseason shutout and second of these playoffs. The Sharks had only a handful of quality chances and they failed to convert any of them.

"This was the worst game emotionally for us," Sharks center Vincent Damphousse said. "We were hesitant with the puck and did not do the things that we did in St. Louis, such as skating well and moving the puck well, probably because the St. Louis series was such a long series and we only had a couple of days rest."

The Sharks only periodically had the same intensity they displayed in Game 7 against St. Louis. Steve Shields let in two goals on six shots in the first period.

"We got into a hole early and didn't feel like we were into the game much," Shields said. "I may have been a little jumpy and excited early. I didn't feel comfortable at the start and it showed."

Aaron Gavey and Mike Modano scored in the first period and Joe Nieuwendyk and Brendan Morrow finished scoring in the final period.

"You can't evaluate Game One for the visiting team," Stars coach Ken Hitchcock said. "The home team was expected to win because of the layoff. I think the visiting team will really show up in Game Two. That's why I think Game Two is the most vital."

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Sunday in Dallas.