The Stars lost the special-teams battle on Wednesday night, so this series returns to San Jose for Game 5 on Friday night.  San Jose got a second-period shorthanded goal from Patrick Marleau, and then scored the game-winner on a Milan Michalek power-play goal at 3:26 of the third period for a 2-1 victory as the Sharks dodged the four-game sweep.

The Stars have been very good on special teams throughout these playoffs, entering Wednesday night with 13 goals in 49 power-play chances (26.5 percent, third in the league).  The Stars’ penalty kill has also been a plus, stopping 30-of-36 opposing power plays (83.3 percent, sixth in the NHL).  But the Sharks were just a little better on special teams in Game 4, converting one-of-six power play chances and killing off all four Stars power plays.

“We have to be a little more disciplined, stay out of the penalty box and make our chances on the power play count,’’ Stephane Robidas said.  “Special teams have been the story of the playoffs.  The games we've won and the ones we've lost, it's been a big, big factor.  It's always like that in the playoffs.’’

“Both teams played tight hockey,’’ Stars right wing Jere Lehtinen said. “It was a one-goal game. We'll be all right if we correct our mistakes.’’

The Stars entered the night with a 19-5 playoff edge in the third period and overtime, but this time the Sharks came up with the final-period marker to extend the series.

“We took too many penalties,’’ Brad Richards said. “It was a parade to the box to start the game.  If we can control that, we'll be okay.’’

Sergei Zubov had turnovers in Games 3 and 4 that led to a Marleau shorthanded goal, but Zubov scored later in game 3 to atone for that miscue. Not this time.

“Those are uncharacteristic mistakes by Zubie,’’ Stars coach Dave Tippett said. “He's got to clean those up.’’

The Stars fly to San Jose on Thursday in a quick turnaround for the third game in four nights.

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