Quick Bites: First line shines in Sharks victory

The San Jose Sharks have won another game against the struggling Edmonton Oilers. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were held without a goal as Mackenzie Blackwood once again put up a stellar performance to help the Sharks gain their second victory of the season.

Deadly first line

The debut of the William Eklund – Tomas Hertl – Fabian Zetterlund line resulted in immediate offensive production against the Philadelphia Flyers where the Sharks won 2-1. Once again, the line is producing tallies on the scoresheet.

Both Hertl and Zetterlund each got a goal and an assist for two points apiece in this game. With six points in the two games, the line is producing. There should be no rush for Head Coach David Quinn to mess with the chemistry any time soon.

We present to you your #SJSharks goal leader…

✨ FABIAN ZETTERLUND ✨ pic.twitter.com/qR7rkTMXB4

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) November 10, 2023

In addition to the offense being productive, the line also had good defensive plays. At one point, Eklund stole the puck from McDavid for a breakaway opportunity.

William Eklund pickpockets McDavid and gets a short-handed chance. pic.twitter.com/Mx2CduZHdi

— JD Young (@MyFryHole) November 10, 2023

First star Mackenzie Blackwood

Blackwood once again was the difference-maker at the end of the night.

With 39 of 41 saves and a save percentage of .951, Blackwood was busy in the blue paint. As for each win this season, he has had to face the opposing team outshooting the Sharks by a significant amount.

If Blackwood continues winning games for the Sharks, the team should be looking into keeping Blackwood as a long-term starting goaltender. He fits the Sharks’ timeline perfectly and can provide that veteran presence as a goalie who has been part of a rebuilding turned playoff-contending team in his career.

Tomas Hertl leading

Hertl is captain of the San Jose Sharks. Not officially, but with Logan Couture out with injury, Hertl has really stepped up in his role as alternate captain.

Hertl is leading the Sharks offensively with nine points as well as other captain-like duties such as but not limited to handling the media, being a locker room leader, communicating with the referees and taking in young linemates such as Eklund and Zetterlund under his wing to help them grow.

Add the historically bad start to the season and it is a surprise to see that Hertl was able to regroup the Sharks to play with contention these past couple of games.

There is no doubt that when Logan Couture comes back, the team chemistry can be added onto and it could be a chance to see the next Patrick Marleau/Joe Thornton in Couture/Hertl. Leading this next generation of Sharks players.