The Numbers
Marleau had 33 goals and 37 assists on the season, finishing with 70 points and a plus-minus rating of zero. In the seven games of the first round, he scored three goals and notched four helpers, totaling seven points.
The Positives
If you’ve ever heard anyone utter the phrase “speedy Marleau”, that phrase is still accurate for the 34-year-old veteran.
He’s still dangerous with and without the puck when he’s got speed and goes to the front of the net. He’s capable of scoring big goals like he showed in the 2011 second round series against the Detroit Red Wings in Game 7. He’s also established great chemistry with Logan Couture on the second line.
The Negatives
What haven’t we already heard, especially from his biggest critic, former Shark and teammate Jeremy Roenick? Doesn’t show up in the playoffs. No heart. And oh, yes. “Gutless”, as Roenick once called him.
Unfortunately, no recorded points in his last three postseason games AND a -3 rating in Game 7 doesn’t support his case for showing up consistently when it mattered most. He has only three recorded goals prior to that pointless streak. Only one of them was a game winner.
The Sharks are the only team he has known since being drafted second overall in the ’97 NHL Entry Draft. He’s been through every Teal jersey so far, but could that change in the near future? We’ll see.