Nabokov is Ultimate Big-Game Choke Artist

San Jose Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov is one of the most talented players in the NHL. He has all the necessary tools of an elite goaltender; great footwork, quick instincts, exceptional stick control, and a great feel for the game. His skills have propelled the San Jose Sharks to outstanding regular season success. In fact, last year in the 2008-09 season, the Sharks won the President’s Cup Trophy, and they are currently leading the Western Conference this season with 93 points.

However, the word regular season should be emphasized, as the Sharks have been an absolute embarrassment in the playoffs year in and year out. For instance, they lost in the first round to the eighth-seeded Anaheim Ducks in the first round last year. In addition, they have never reached the Stanley Cup Finals this decade, even with supreme talent on the roster with the Canadian front line of Dany Heatley, Joe Thornton, and Patrick Marleau anchoring the unit.

The primary reason behind the postseason failures pertain to Nabokov’s inability to step up in the big games, especially since the 2005-06 season. In fact, during the past four seasons, Nabokov’s goals against average went up from 2.28 GAA in the regular season to 3.08 in the postseason. Furthermore, his save percentage dipped from .915 to .867 from the regular season to the postseason during that span.

Nabokov clearly loses mental focus during the playoffs. Some of the goals he allowed last year in Anaheim during the six game embarrassment were saves that he would easily make in the regular season. For example, Anaheim right wing Bobby ryan scored on two ordinary slapshots from each faceoff circle during game 4 of the 2008 Western Conference Quarterfinals, both of which Nabokov had an opportunity to save. In that series, Nabokov allowed at least two goals in every game of the series, including four goals in Anaheim’s series-clinching Game 6.

Moreover, during the 2010 Winter Olympics, he absolutely choked during the quarterfinal round against Canada. While doing a great job at net during the preliminary round by only allowing four goals in the first three games, Nabokov allowed an inexplicable six goals in the first 25 minutes against Canada. Furthermore, his inability to overcome adversity was evident in the second period, as he allowed two cheap goals in the first two shots he faced in the second period.

First, Nabokov skated too far forward on a slapshot from just inside the blue line from Canadian forward Corey Perry. Although he saved Perry’s initial shot, he was unable to secure the puck and allowed an open net for Perry to score on the rebound. Then, Nabokov failed to stop a routine slapshot from Canadian defenseman Shea Weber to allow his sixth goal of the game. Nabokov was pulled after allowing his sixth goal in the game. He only saved 17 out of a possible 23 shots.

Overall, Nabokov has not elevated himself into an elite goaltender, due to his consistent failures in big game situations. He embarrassed his Russian team in the 2010 Winter Olympics in the elimination round, and his Sharks have not been able to maintain a level of consistent success in the playoffs. Time is running out for Nabokov, as he will turn 35 in August. His playoff experience has come to no use, as evidenced in last month’s choke in the Winter Olympics. Ultimately, his legacy will be defined by his inability to win the big game.