The Best Number 13, 12 and 11 In San Jose Sharks History
With 11 days left until the beginning of the San Jose Sharks season, we look at the best number 13, 12, and 11 in San Jose Sharks history. I don’t know about you, but I sure can’t wait to see team teal back out on the ice again. But without further adieu, we look at the best number 13 in San Jose Sharks history.
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There are only 5 people that have ever worn number 13 for the San Jose Sharks, but one stands out over the rest, specifically for the most legendary goal in San Jose Sharks history. Jamie Baker played 3 seasons with the Sharks, and his highest point total was only 33 points in a season, which isn’t impressive. However, it is still more impressive than any other players that have worn the number 13. Raffi Torres has only played 16 regular season games with the Sharks so far (which blew my mind when I found that out) and Bill Guerin only had 8 points in a season with the San Jose Sharks. But Jamie Baker is known for the goal that let the Sharks pull off a monumental upset in the 1994 playoffs. Coming off a season in which the San Jose Sharks set the NHL record for the most losses in a season, they then made the playoffs as the 8 seed when they went up against the Preisdent’s Trophy Detroit Red Wings. In game 7, Jamie Baker would score the goal that gave the Sharks the lead and eventually the win as they upset the Red Wings. Baker’s goal is still considered the greatest goal in Sharks history.
Now, the best number 12 in San Jose Sharks history. If you read my latest article, or have a common knowledge of the Sharks, or have looked at the Sharks roster recently, you know that the best number 12 in San Jose Sharks history is Patrick Marleau. Marleau was drafted 2nd overall in the 1999 draft after Joe Thornton (and now they play together. It’s like a love story. :D) and he has been a crucial part of the Sharks ever since he came to San Jose. In the last 5 full seasons he has played in, he has scored 30 or more goals each season, and he had 17 goals in 48 games during the lockout shortened season in 2013. Marleau has been criticized for his “streaky scoring” and has even been called gutless by former teammate Jeremy Roenick, but if you watch Patrick Marleau, you know he’s much more than that. Sure, he’s been streaky, but when you put up 30 goals year in and year out, most fans aren’t going to complain about it.
As if number 12 wasn’t an easy enough decision, now we move to number 11 on the list. Number 11, once again, isn’t surprising at all. Owen Nolan played 568 games and had 451 points in his San Jose Sharks career. He was there for 8 years, and the lowest point total he had in those 8 years was 41 points. There are some players on this list where 41 points in a season is a career year. Nolan was always an offensive help for the Sharks, scoring over 60 points 3 times in the 8 seasons, and 84 points in another year. He was traded to Toronto in 2003, and then signed a one day contract with the Sharks so he could retire with team teal. No number has been retired by the San Jose Sharks other than Wayne Gretzky’s, but if I had to choose a first, I think I speak for all Sharks fans when I say it should be Owen Nolan.