Sometimes in the NHL, a team can dominate big time,and still lose due to spectacular goal tending by the opposition net minder. Evgeni Nabokov,whom the Blackhawks knocked out on Thanksgiving Eve in San Jose,was brilliant in stopping 45 of the 47 shots he faced and the Sharks edged the Blackhawks 3-2. San Jose was opportunistic since they were badly out shot 47-14. The Sharks,who avenged a 7-2 loss to the Hawks, went after Cristobal Huet “top shelf” and that’s how they scored all three of their goals. Dany Heatly netted the only goal of the first period from a difficult angle. The Hawks continued their onslaught in the second period, but the Sharks,who gave up three short handed goals to Joel Quienville’s team last month,turned the tables in this one. With the Hawks on the power play,veteran Joe Thornton beat Huet to make it 2-0 and that lead carried over into the third period. Patrick Kane finally got the Hawks on the board early in the last period by scoring on his own rebound. But shortly after that, Jason Demers went high on Huet to score what would be the winning goal. Marion Hossa’s brought the Blackhawks closer one Huet was pulled for an extra attacker,but after that. Nabokov shut the door.

NOTES—The Hawks rematch the Red Wings Wednesday night at Joe Louis Arena.

LES