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Sharks look to put Game Two loss behind them

Apr 30, 2007 - 3:25 PM Detroit at San Jose 10:00 pm EDT Western Conference semifinal Series tied, 1-1

SAN JOSE, California (Ticker) - The San Jose Sharks will try to put a frustrating loss behind them when they host the Detroit Red Wings in Game Three of their Western Conference semifinal series on Monday.

Following a convincing 2-0 victory at Joe Louis Arena in the series opener, the Sharks got off to a fast start in Game Two, netting two goals just 4:17 into the first period. However, San Jose was unable to score thereafter.

After knotting the game at 2-2, Detroit recorded the game-winning goal when Pavel Datsyuk scored with 84 seconds remaining in the third period, evening the series at one game apiece. The Red Wings also became the first team to win a game after overcoming a two-goal deficit this postseason.

Things Red Wings will need to avoid falling behind early at HP Pavilion, where the Sharks are 27-12-4 this season, including two playoff wins. Detroit lost both games here during the regular season by scores of 5-1 and 9-4. In the second meeting, Detroit opened up a 3-0 lead before allowing nine unanswered goals.

San Jose center Joe Thornton, who scored his first goal of the playoffs in Game Two, has a five-game postseason point streak.

Detroit defenseman Chris Chelios has played in 236 career playoff games, tying him with Mark Messier for second place on the all-time. Only Hall of Famer Patrick Roy (247) has appeared in more postseason contests.