Kevin Labanc earned his first career hat trick for the San Jose Sharks in a 5-2 win victory over the slumping Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night.
Evander Kane and Tomas Hertl each had a goal and assist, while Aaron Dell made 21 saves for 7th win this season. Joe Thornton collected a pair of apples to tie Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe (1,049) for ninth all-time in assists.
Jumbo & Mr. Hockey:
— Brodie Brazil (@BrodieNBCS) February 10, 2019
Tied at 1,049 assists. pic.twitter.com/CchjtNp72x
Speaking of greatness.... Lebanc only needs 1,360 more points to catch Thornton, but on Saturday night he was the real star of the game. The 23-year-old has six points (4g 2a) in his last four games and is showing head coach Pete Deboer why he is worthy of more ice time. I really like this kid and not because he and I are both from Brooklyn, but because he's a player that works very hard and makes his own luck. Seems like San Jose is chalk full of dudes like that.
As I'm sure you know, I also write the Anaheim Ducks blog it's downright depressing over there. Thankfully, the Sharks have been the complete opposite. Unlike the Ducks, San Jose has a compete level, from top to bottom, that not many in the NHL cannot equal.
With Tampa Bay playing like they have been all season, I believe experts and fans alike are sleeping on the Sharks. I like the way this team in constructed and as long at the goaltending hold up and Erik Karlsson can get back to 100%, San Jose could headed for a very long postseason run.
As I write this, San Jose and Calgary are tied atop the Pacific Division with 73 points. If the Flames lose in Vancouver it will stay that way. *fingers crossed*
Thanks for reading, Steve Tweet