A few posts ago I put the 2014 draft class together to see what they did, statistically, for the past season – and their careers. Most of the Sharks picks had fantastic seasons. Today let’s take a quick look at the OHL players (Kevin Labanc, Julius Bergman, Dylan Sadowy) situational points breakdown via the OHL website. The totals on the bottom of the chart in brackets are the players total points for the season.
Just over half of Kevin Labanc’s total points came with the man advantage on a very good Barrie Colts hockey club. Dylan Sadowy, while recording 33 less points overall, actually had more even strength points than Labanc for the season. Labanc was a benefactor of a high-powered power play unit that had significant success throughout the season. Julius Bergman had 59.5% of his total points come via the man advantage on another great team in the London Knights. Bergman’s totals are an easier pill to swallow considering he’s a defender – but it’s still a significant portion.
Of the top 100 point getters in the NHL to date only one forward – Claude Giroux – has a power play points total that hits 50% of his overall point total. Of the top 25 point getters that are strictly defenders, only five have power play point totals that hit 50% of their total points. There’s certainly nothing wrong with a 107 point season but I value play away from a man advantage situation more – which is why Dylan Sadowy’s season on a horrendous Saginaw Spirit team is more impressive for me than Labanc’s year with the Barrie Colts. I’ll give more leeway to Bergman considering this was his first season in North America.
Both of the forwards are still looking at bottom six roles on the Sharks should they make the jump at some point – which will erase most power play opportunity. If I had to pick one of the two to jump into a bottom six role first it would be the one with better even strength production.
CHLStats.com compiles some good numbers and I went there to get the even strength primary and secondary assist totals for the three OHL players. Now, I will say that it was missing two of Labanc’s points and one each for Sadowy and Bergman. It doesn’t really affect what we’re looking at but keep it in mind.
Labanc received a higher percentage of primary assists than Sadowy and Bergman. For Bergman it’s pretty much assumed that his total would be the lowest due to position. Although Labanc’s production at even strength might be lower than I’d like, it’s positive to see his assist breakdown is heavily weighted on the first assist.
Overall, they all had great seasons – and that’s great to see from the Sharks perspective – but I’m much more impressed with Sadowy after a closer look.
Sharks vs Coyotes
Although the Flames lost to the Blues, the Kings beat the Oilers silly. That means the Sharks playoff chances dropped slightly. It’s still at a cool 3.2% for those of you who still care.
The Sharks host Arizona tonight and it’s a must win – just as all the Sharks games are. Arizona should be more than willing to lie down and take one on the chin considering there is still a chance they get the highest McDavid odds.
The Jets, Flames and Kings are all off today so all eyes will be on the Sharks. While it’s still unlikely they’ll advance the above teams still can’t stop looking in the rear-view mirror just yet.
Karl Stollery was called up yesterday. He was acquired in the Freddie Hamilton blockbuster trade. Does he play? Who knows. All I do know is that if Alex Stalock doesn’t start tonight it’s a crime against humanity.
Puck drop is at 7PT (10ET)
Thanks for reading.
*I'd like to send a huge thank you out to everyone who donated to the Canadian Cancer Society and helped me hit (and exceed) my fundraising goal for the Ottawa Marathon. I crossed over the 100% mark yesterday and the support is greatly appreciated. http://convio.cancer.ca/goto/timchiasson