from Mark Purdy of the Mercury News,
The Sharks didn't say anything about also passing an advanced placement exam. But that's how good they played. They controlled the action for all but five or six shifts all night. Five different Shark players scored the five goals, including such franchise stalwarts as Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau.
Yet of all the Shark ghostbusters, Logan Couture carried the biggest proton pack against Nashville. When he scored Thursday's third goal early in the second period, it cemented in Nashville's mind that this was not going to be a fight they could win. When Couture followed that up with two assists in the third period, he completed one of the greatest series ever played by a San Jose Shark.
Specifically, Couture's 11 points over the seven games against the Predators set a franchise record. Not so specifically, the attitude he carried onto the ice each game -- to block a shot or induce a turnover and never let up even when he might be having a tough night in the faceoff circle -- was the compass of the series.
"He just really wants to win," said teammate Joel Ward of Couture. "He's so tenacious on the puck, battles so hard."
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.