Sharks make first lineup change of playoffs: ‘Few factors there'

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SAN JOSE – The Sharks are making their first lineup change of the postseason headed into Saturday night’s vital Game 5 against the Predators.

Dainius Zubrus will replace Tommy Wingels, presumably on the fourth line, as the Sharks attempt to retake the series lead. They are tied with Nashville, two games apiece, as the Predators won both of their home games this week.

Pete DeBoer explained the decision on Saturday morning.

“I think a few factors there. Obviously whenever you’re pulling a guy out, play is always a [factor]. Not that [Wingels] was poor, but there were a few guys there that we considered in that decision.

“I think the other factor that went into it was more what we felt Zubrus would bring. He’s fresh, he’s healthy, he didn’t just play six periods and fly across the country. He’s a big body. I don’t think we’ve been inside of their [defensemen] enough. It was more what he would bring. The tough part was who comes out, and you’re splitting hairs there, but that’s a decision we made.”

[KURZ: Morning Skate: Sharks seek to regain series lead at home]

In nine playoff games, Wingels has one goal, four penalty minutes and plus-two rating. He skated a team-low 15:32 during the extended game on Thursday, a triple overtime 4-3 win for Nashville.

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DeBoer expressed confidence that the 37-year-old veteran would be able to find his game quickly despite not seeing any game action for nearly one month. Zubrus has not played since April 9, the Sharks’ regular season finale.

“It’s challenging, and that’s a consideration, but when you look at this guy and the condition he’s in, how he takes care of himself, how hard he’s worked – I look back at when we brought him in here [on Nov. 24] and he had been sitting around and jumped in, and I thought helped us immediately,” DeBoer said. “That eases my mind. I don’t think that’s going to be an issue.”

Zubrus has not participated in a playoff game since the 2012 Stanley Cup Final, when the Devils – also coached by DeBoer – lost to the Kings. He played in all 24 games for New Jersey, posting three goals and seven assists, during a playoff run that fell just short of a championship.

“It’s been awhile that I played in the playoffs, so it’s going to be an exciting time,” Zubrus said.

What will he try and bring?

“Same as I try to do in the regular season. They have good strong D, but you’ve got to battle through and get to the front of the net and get some pucks there. Make it as hard as you can on their goalie.”

In 50 games with the Sharks this season, Zubrus had three goals and four assists for seven points. In 92 career playoff games, he has 11 goals and 24 assists for 35 points.

The Sharks have dressed the same 18 skaters and two goalies for each of their first nine playoff games.

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