Game 1 Rewind By: David Pollak and Victor Chi- San Jose Mercury News MVP Patrick Marleau, Sharks: Sources say there's a garage sale at the captain's house this weekend. Lots of caps, cheap. Rough night Karlis Skrastins, Avalanche: Sure Colorado goalie David Aebischer warrants consideration. But when you're the defenseman on the ice for each of the other team's five goals, that defines a rough night. Unsung hero Mike Rathje, Sharks: Wise decision to pinch up along the boards led to the Sharks' first goal. Well-timed hit on Colorado right wing Milan Hejduk in second period rattled him and center Chris Gratton, who went to the penalty box for roughing when he retaliated. Turning point Scott Hannan's goal: A 2-0 first-period lead would have been impressive, but the Sharks defenseman scoring in the final minute of the first period on an aggressive offensive sequence provided the breathing room needed when Colorado scored the next goal. Highlight reel Sharks C Patrick Marleau's second goal: Hard to choose among 'em, but the perfect touch on the pass from Niko Dimitrakos, the sprawling Avalanche defenseman and Marleau's well-placed shot past a leaning-the-wrong-way Aebischer give this one the nod. Stat sheet Most ice time: Sharks defenseman Scott Hannan, 25:47. Shots leader: Sharks' Patrick Marleau and Nils Ekman and Colorado's Riku Hahl, four. Faceoff proficiency: Colorado's Darby Hendickson won 10 of 15 ( 67 percent). Three stars 1. Patrick Marleau: Second hat trick of the playoffs. 2. Scott Hannan: Added first playoff goal to his usual heavy workload. 3. Niko Dimitrakos: Three assists for the Sharks rookie. Posted on Fri, Apr. 23, 2004 |