The Wall: Evgeni Nabokov's Challenge

When the San Jose Sharks' Stanley Cup hopes were sunk by the Anaheim Ducks last season, goaltender Evgeni Nabokov joined an infamous club: playoff chokers. The Sharks' locker room is full of them...in many fans' and analysts' eyes, that is. Joe Thornton was the first one to have this title put around his neck like a dog collar. Linemate Patrick Marleau, once a feared playoff performer, joined "Jumbo Joe" after a few underwhelming playoff performances. The most recent newcomer of the club now is goaltender Evgeni Nabokov. His initiation: Get chased out of the first round of the playoffs by the hated rival Anaheim Ducks in six games. In that best of seven series with the Ducks, Nabby posted 2.82 GAA and a less-than-stellar .890 save percentage. This all came after the all-star-caliber goalie posted a 2.44 GAA and a respectable .910 save percentage. These numbers helped the six-foot, 200-pound netminder to a 41-12-8 record and seven shutouts in ...