SAN JOSE, Calif. – No matter what the numbers say, San Jose goaltender Evgeni Nabokov achieved what he needed to in the first round.

Getting the San Jose Sharks past the Calgary Flames in seven games trumped everything else, coach Ron Wilson said Thursday.

"That's only one stat that means anything," Wilson said, "and that's how many wins you have versus losses."

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At the same time, Nabokov's 2.45 goals-against average and .895 save percentage against Calgary were significantly off his regular-season numbers, the ones that made him a Vezina Trophy finalist.

Nabokov played 77 games this season, 11 more than his previous high, and was asked if the workload has taken a toll.

"It's not like we're playing four game in four nights," Nabokov said. "I take my rest when we had days off. I feel fine."

He also dismissed the first-round numbers, particularly save percentage.

In last season's playoffs, Nabakov had a .920 save percentage, but the Sharks were eliminated in the second round.

"But who cares if you lose the series," Nabokov said. "The most important thing is timely saves. Usually, the stats speak for themselves, but sometimes ..."

Nabokov's teammates have no doubt about his readiness for the Stars.

Joe Thornton called Nabokov the team's most valuable player, adding "he's the reason why we're in this position right now."

As important as Nabokov's play was against the Flames, his locker-room fire after the Sharks lost Game 3 also invigorated teammates. Nabokov suggested San Jose was playing like boys, not men, against Calgary.

Several teammates later pointed to his statement as a turning point in the series.

Nabokov deflected praise like a wrister from the blue line.

"I said this before and I say it again, it just came from the way I felt," Nabokov said. "It's nothing where I try to push some buttons."

The entire season has become a career resurgence for Nabokov. The 32-year-old native of Kazakhstan made an immediate impact as rookie in 2000-01, going 32-21-7 with a 2.19 GAA.

He struggled after the lockout, splitting time with Vesa Toskala. Nabokov didn't become the clear-cut No. 1 goaltender again until Toskala was traded to Toronto last summer.

Playing nearly every game, Nabokov was able to develop a rhythm again.

"He struggles alternating, but when he plays every game he's at this best," Wilson said.

San Jose goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, a Vezina Trophy finalist, enjoyed a career season. Some highlights:

•Led NHL in wins (46)

•Compiled a 26-7-8 record in one-goal games

•Led NHL in minutes played (4560:56)

•Tied for third in goals-against average (2.14)

•Tied for third in shutouts (six)