The Dallas Stars missed a golden opportunity to end their NHL Playoffs Western Conference semifinal series at home, but they will get another chance when they head back to H.P. Pavilion for Game 5 on Friday to take on the San Jose Sharks in NHL playoff action. BetOnline.com has the San Jose Sharks -145 odds favorites against the Dallas Stars +125 with the over/under set at 5 goals.
The Stars just could not generate any offense in Game 4's 2-1 home loss, with the lone goal coming from Jere Lehtinen. The trio of Mike Modano, Mike Ribeiro and Brad Richards combined for three shots on net, which all came from Richards. Marty Turco had 22 saves for the Stars, but there is only so much you can do when your offense manages 18 shots on the opposing goaltender. Even in the third period, when the Stars should have been feeding off of their home crowd, they could only muster five shots on net.
Give credit to the Sharks, however, as they put together their best defensive performance of the series. Outside of Lehtinen and Richards, the Sharks had the rest of the Stars on lockdown, not allowing them any time and space on the puck. Special teams also played a large part in this game, as captain Patrick Marleau notched a shorthanded goal while Milan Michalek scored the game-winner in the third period on the power play. Evgeni Nabokov stopped 17 of the 18 shots he faced, as he looked as confident in his defense as he has all series.
The Sharks are -145 favorites at home to send the series back to Dallas for a sixth game, and they will need a similar defensive performance to Game 4. Keeping Ribeiro quiet again would be a huge boost, as the forward is tied for second in the NHL in points scored. Marleau has to continue his solid play, as the captain is leading by example with goals in two consecutive games. In Game 5, look for a big performance from Joe Thornton as the Sharks will go back to the Lone Star State with a win at home on Friday. Get your NHL Playoffs Pick in Now!
Dallas Stars at San Jose Sharks – 10:00 PM ET
Free NHL Playoffs Pick: San Jose Sharks
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