Today could be the last meaningful game for the San Jose Sharks in 2014-2015.They’ve made it interesting and have taken it down to the wire but a win by LA or Winnipeg, or simply a Sharks loss, will put the final nail in the coffin for team teal.
They should know shortly into the first period if they still have something to play for which means they should also be starting out with some energy to keep the dream alive while they still can.
Curtis Pashelka had an interesting piece on the out-clause in Todd McLellan’s contract where he can walk away if the team cans Doug Wilson. After what’s gone on this season I’m not so sure those two are still attached at the hip – but then again I don’t get to listen to their lies in person so let’s call it an objective observation. Regardless, it’s an opportunity for McLellan to save himself from being “fired… if Wilson goes and he walks away. The good old ‘you can’t fire me, I quit!’ bit.
Two birds with one stone, Hasso. Make the call.
*****
Nikita Jevpalovs had 100 points for Blainville-Boisbriand in the QMJHL this year as part of one of the best forward lines in the entire league. He finished second on the team in points and assists – leading them in goals. The Armada were one of the top clubs in the Q as a result of the high powered top unit.
The Sharks signed the talented forward as a free agent in January on the heels of a 25 point month. The 6’1…, 209lb, winger didn’t have stand out stats in his first two seasons with the Armada before breaking free this past year – leaving him a free agent for the Sharks to scoop up. So far it looks like a great signing.
Here’s the breakdown of Jevpalovs situation points courtesy of the many, many, many QMJHL game sheets that Jevpalovs decided to be a part of.
49% of his points came by way of even strength, 50% on the power play and a shorthanded goal rounds out his total.
His closest comparable of the six prospects from the 2014 draft would be Kevin Labanc – who had 46 even strength points and 54 power play points. It’s a pretty even split for Jevpalovs but we can take solace in the fact that his 49 even strength points this season are only 5 less than his total points for the previous season. There was significant development for the Latvian.
Let’s look at his even strength breakdown from those game sheets.
31 goals and 18 assists – with the assists an even split between primary and secondary.
That’s a heap of even strength goals. There are only three players in the NHL this year with 30 even strength goals (Rick Nash – 32, Steven Stamkos – 30, Max Pacioretty – 30). Jevpalovs did most of his damage on the power play as a set-up guy. He had 17 goals and 33 assists on the man advantage.
Could his even strength to power play percentage be spread out better in favor of ES? Sure it could, but this is a play they picked up for nothing that has taken tremendous developmental strides this year and will be an integral part of the San Jose Barracuda offense next year. Jevpalovs is a young player to watch very closely over the next two seasons in the AHL as he works toward being part of the big club when the Thornton/Marleau contracts are up.
The top three seasons for forwards for Sharks prospects now goes Sadowy, Chartier, Jevpalovs for me.
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 and the support is greatly appreciated. http://convio.cancer.ca/goto/timchiasson