The San Jose Sharks are hot, but Patrick Marleau might be hotter. The veteran forward scored his 498th career goal late in the third period to seal the 4-3 win over the Winnipeg Jets.
Marleau has five goals and both game-winners in the last two games. Arguably the greatest Shark to ever lace 'em up is so close to history it's just a matter of "when" and not "if" anymore.
The last two games are darn impressive, but it's actually a pretty small sample size of the 37-year-old's value. Marleau's 17 goals lead all San Jose forwards. Fourteen of those goals have come in San Jose victories, including five actual game-winning tallies.
If we really want break the numbers down even further - With 5 GWG in 31 victories, Marleau is directly responsible for 16% of the Sharks wins up until this point. Pretty neat, eh?
Ok, take a deep breath and exhale.
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The Sharks have won eight of 10 games and a season-high six in a row. With the win San Jose moved back into sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division with 64 points in 49 (31-16-2) games.
The Anaheim Ducks have 48 points in 50 games (27-14-9).
San Jose has one game left (vs. EDM) before the All-Star break. If they win it will improve their record to 32-16-2. Through 50 games in 2015-16, SJ was 27-19-4. That's a six point improvement if you're keeping track at home.
Also kinda neat.
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Birth and hopefully the death of a rumor...
Noted hockey insider - that's one "r"-, Elliott Friedman made waves when he suggested that Shane Doan may be willing to waive his no trade clause for the right situation. Are the Sharks the right situation? Some seem to believe it's possible.
I don't.
The situation might be right for Doan, but it's all kinds of wrong for San Jose. This team is winning with a concerted focus of youth and its tenured veteran core - Doan doesn't fit that recipe. Doan had an excellent career but his best days are way behind him. Ice time is too valuable to waste on the good 'ol days.
So, while rumors are fun to bandy about - this makes ZERO sense and I'm sure most of you will agree with me. (because I'm right, amirite?)
I'll step down from my soapbox now and go to sleep... goodnight. ***
thanks for reading, Steve