The San Jose Sharks are over achievers. The third place squad is 20-11-4 in the Pacific Division despite an offense near the bottom of the league.
With goal scoring at a premium, San Jose has relied heavily in their defense and Martin Jones. Recentl.y they've added a new weapon to the arsenal....Brent Burns and the power play.
The #SJSharks have scored at least one power play in the last nine games. pic.twitter.com/sOk5beyBcN
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) December 29, 2017
San Jose has the 5th ranked power play in the league at 22.6%. They have at least one power play goal in their last nine games, including one in the 3-2 SO win over Calgary on Thursday and show no signs of slowing down. Back in mid November, we were all asking ourselves what's wrong with the once dangerous man advantage? Today, it's obvious what was wrong - Brent Burns was not Brent Burns.
After a head-scratching start, Burns has found himself and his game and is dragging the Sharks along with him. Over this current nine game, San Jose is 6-1-2, banking 14 of a possible 18 points. They trail Los Angeles by five points with three games in hand.
During this run, Burns has five goals and eight assists for 13 of his 25 points this season. Of those 13 points, nine (3g 6a) came with the man advantage. His resurgence has led the way for a Sharks resurgence and solid positioning within the Western Conference standings.
As long as he remains the lovable, affable and offensively gifted Brent Burns we all know and appreciate, you've got to love the Sharks chances of at least catching L.A.
The Sharks next game is against Dallas on New Years Eve.
Thanks for reading, Steve