2011 NHL Playoffs: San Jose Sharks advance over Detroit Red Wings

The seven-game series is a war of attrition for evenly-matched teams, and there was no series in NHL history as close as the San Jose Sharks vs. Detroit Red Wings. Six of the seven games were decided by one goal (two in overtime), and the other game was a two-goal win, but only because of an empty-net goal.

What makes the NHL playoffs special is that by the end of a seven-game series and the end of a four-round marathon, it comes down to who has more will and endurance. Coming into the seventh game of this series, everyone thought they knew the answer to that question.

He was not named a star for the game, but Thornton was outstanding tonight. He won 9 of his 15 face-ffs and had 22:03 in ice time, plus would not come off the ice over the final few minutes to make sure the Sharks were able to bring the series win home. He now has 11 points in the last 11 playoff games (2-9-11).

In the eight playoff wins over the Detroit Red Wings during the last two Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Sharks have won each game by one goal.

Boyle leads all defenseman in points in the postseason (2-9-11).

For the second consecutive season, Marleau scores the series clinching goal against Detroit.

San Jose is in the Western Conference Finals for the second straight season and third time in franchise history.

San Jose is 5-2 all-time in Game 7's and 2-0 at home; the Sharks are 2-0 all-time in Game 7's against the Red Wings.