BoT Player Of The Week: Joe Pavelski

I’ve decided to start doing a weekly feature for Player of the Week. From all the games I watch throughout each week, I’ll decide who to nominate for POTW. Here and there, I will have fan polls asking your opinions as to whom you think deserves to get the nod.

And the first honor for this award goes to…

#TheBigPavelski

Jan 9, 2014; San Jose, CA, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brian Lashoff (23) trips San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) during the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. The San Jose Sharks defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Not enough can be said to compliment Joe Pavelski’s abilities as a hockey player. Over the years after being drafted in ’03 by the San Jose Sharks, he has grown in all aspects as a hockey player. He’s one of the few San Jose Sharks who’s hockey IQ is off the charts. He uses his hockey smarts to win face-offs and make great defensive and offensive reads. Lately, with Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl injured, he’s been moved up to the top line with “Jumbo” Joe Thornton and Brent Burns to replace the young rookie to try to generate some offense. Since then (in huge part thanks to Jumbo), he’s been on a tear. As of now, he’s rolling with five goals in four games. His performance Thursday night against the Detroit Red Wings was only his third multi-point effort of the season, just barely missing his first career NHL hat trick after firing a one-timer wide.

Not only is he padding his stats during the latter half of this season on the top line, his tremendous sense of awareness and outstanding ability to be where the puck is going to be and put it to the back of the net has earned him Blade of Teal’s Player of the Week award.