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Paul Martin knows Penguins can lose a big series lead (He’s been there)

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With a flurry of five goals in the first period, San Jose's goalie Martin Jones proved to be the real difference maker in Game 5. Jones helped carry the Sharks to a 4-2 victory while avoiding elimination.

The San Jose Sharks face difficult odds in fighting back from the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 3-1 series lead, even after sawing it down to 3-2 with their Game 5 win.

That doesn’t mean they’re going to roll over, and it doesn’t mean they’re dealing with low morale, as they noted to the Mercury News.

“It’s good to let them know we’re still here,” Paul Martin said. “We played them pretty well at SAP. I’ve been over there when they’ve lost 3-1 leads and lost series.”

Specifically, Martin experienced the Penguins squandering such advantages in 2011 (losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning) and 2014 (falling to the New York Rangers).

Saying “I was there when we blew it” doesn’t exactly qualify as “bragging rights,” but the point is simple enough.

Let’s not kid ourselves, either, as the Sharks have seen big series leads evaporate themselves.

Yes, the Sharks face zero margin of error, but the Penguins still need to beat a strong team one more time.

“They know we’re not going to quit,” Joe Thornton said. “They’re going to show up for Game 6 and so are we. Both teams are here for a reason.”

(H/T to Rotoworld)