Sometimes all it takes is a little change of scenery. Sometimes all it takes is to surround yourself with the right people. Sometimes that's all it takes is to feel good about yourself and right now Evander Kane is feeling great. Once Kane was traded to the San Jose Sharks it was the best case scenario for the much maligned winger and his career.
Since he pulled a teal and black sweater over his head, Kane has looked like a new man. A rejuvenated man. I'm sure playing in Buffalo didn't help, bust still. The 26-year-old has five points (1g 4a) in three games as a Shark and he appears to be having fun doing it.
Kane ins't the only one benefiting from the trade. The line of Kane, Joe Pavelski and Joonas Donskoi have been on a tear with 14 points in three games together as a unit. The captain has three goals and six points since the trade. While Donskoi has four points (1g 3a) in three games - matching his his total number of points in the previous 19 games.
The Sharks as a team are scoring in bunches. Despite the loss to Columbus on Sunday, they have scored 14 goals in their last three games, including a seven-spot they dropped on Chicago. And to be honest, before this deal - the Sharks were a fairly boring watch. There is a new buzz around the team now and even the players have to be feeling it - the offensive explosion speaks to that point.
It's a small sample size, but the Sharks and Evander Kane are a perfect fit. Like I wrote after the trade, there is enough leadership in that locker room to keep Kane focused and in check both on and off the ice. I could see the soon-to-be UFA re-upping with San Jose. If he does, I believe it will change the direction of his young career for the best.
We know he has talent. We know he can score. And now we know he looks great in teal.
The Sharks have 16 games left and they are in for a knock-down, drag-out fight with Anaheim and Los Angeles. Two points separate those three teams and I absolutely love it. When the California hockey teams are this tight in a pllayoff race it makes for the very best hockey the NHL has to offer. And with Kane in the fold, I like the Sharks chances.
San Jose doesn't play until Thursday when they host the Blues.
Thanks for reading, Steve