There are several options the San Jose Sharks could go with on 3-on-3 when the time comes, but who will get the call?
3-on-3 is going to be a fast paced, back and forth type of situation that’s going to test the skating abilities of the players that hit the ice. For that reason I doubt we’re going to see a heavy dose of Joe Thornton – who is, arguably, still the Sharks best player even in his wonder years.
Thornton could get thrown over to give the main two three-on-three lines a breather – assuming the Sharks will significantly shorten the bench (and 3-on-3 lasts longer than two shifts) – but I wouldn’t expect too long of a shift (or too many) for the veteran.
Here are my picks for 3-on-3 Line 1 & Line 2, with a bonus Thornton breather line.
Couture-Hertl-Burns
Couture’s struggles last year combined with Burns’ knack for getting caught and having to race back could be a worrisome combination, but I think Hertl balances the possession well enough to make this line work – and he’s smart enough to play gun with Couture. Burns is a dynamic offensive threat from the backend. He’s fantastic with the puck moving forward and Couture is great in the offensive zone. This is a line that can get a hold of the puck and do some very good things with it at 3-on-3.
Pavelski-Marleau-Vlasic
Marleau is still a fast skater, at least he still was last year, so there’s no way the Sharks should keep him away from 3-on-3 – even if he did struggle last season. Vlasic is there as the buffer for Marleau, like Hertl is in the other unit for Couture/Burns balancing. Vlasic being behind 19/8 allows Pavelski to focus more on the offensive side of things and work with Marleau to make some magic happen. Vlasic is one of the most trustable defenders in the league, and he makes great decisions with the puck. This line won’t be as amusing to watch as the Burns line, but it has all the tools to get the job done.
Thornton-Nieto-Martin
This is the 3-on-3 shutdown line. These players are all capable of getting and controlling the puck for significant amounts of time – which will allow the two explosive offense groups to catch their breath for another shift. It still has the chance to get in the offensive zone and do a little bit of damage, but it’s definitely more to do with giving the other two lines a break without causing anything negative to happen.
Those are the only nine players I want to see hit the ice for 3-on-3 hockey for the San Jose Sharks. Everyone else is a liability in some way, shape or form. There’s no need to risk damaging yourself by throwing out any other player on the Sharks roster. Zero need. It’s not worth losing the game.
What do you think? Who would you roll out for the Sharks on 3-on-3?