SAN JOSE — Former Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov thrived under coach Darryl Sutter from 2000-2002. He captured the Calder Trophy in 2001 and by the time his second full season was over, he was already the franchise’s career victories leader with 71.
Naturally, Nabokov was upset when Sutter was fired Dec. 1, 2002, feeling it wasn’t necessary for the Sharks to make a coaching change despite winning just eight of their first 22 games.
“You feel like crap, but you still have to do your job,” Nabokov said Friday of the aftermath of Sutter’s firing. “Sometimes it gives teams a boost for whatever reason.