Midway Report: Comparing and projecting this Sharks’ season

The Sharks’ 5-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers brought them officially halfway through the 2016-17 regular season. Now the math-impaired can easily project San Jose’s final record, points leader and a whole lot more. I don’t recommend doing this for anything other than fun; but since this blog is at least tacitly in favor of fun ... well, read on.

Wins

Through 41 games: 25

Through 41 games last year: 21

Projection for this year: 50

Final total for last year: 46

Points

Through 41 games: 52

Through 41 games last year: 44

Projection for this year: 104

Final total for last year: 98

Goals

Leader through 41 games: Brent Burns (16)

Leader through 41 games last year: Joe Pavelski (22)

Projected leader this year: Brent Burns (32)

Leader last year: Joe Pavelski (38)

Assists

Leader through 41 games: Brent Burns (26)

Leader through 41 games last year: Joe Thornton (23)

Projected leader this year: Brent Burns (52)

Leader last year: Joe Thornton (63)

Points

Leader through 41 games: Brent Burns (42)

Leader through 41 games last year: Joe Pavelski (43)

Projected leader this year: Brent Burns (84)

Leader last year: Joe Thornton (82)

The biggest takeaway here is how spectacularly good Brent Burns has been this year. He’s just a point behind what Pavelski had at this point a season ago and if he maintains this pace would surpass Thornton’s point-per-game pace from last season. There’s still plenty of season ahead, but that Hart Trophy talk surround Burns will only heat up if he keeps playing like this.