Mar 3, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; San Jose Sharks forward Tomas Hertl (48) warms up against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. The San Jose Sharks won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
The San Jose Sharks received huge contributions from rookie forwards Tomas Hertl and Matt Nieto a season ago. Both players brought an infusion of energy and speed into San Jose’s lineup and the two were expected to play bigger roles for San Jose this year.
However, Hertl and Nieto struggled throughout the 2014-15 season and were a contributing factor into why the Sharks missed the postseason. It’s not a huge surprise considering many young players find difficulty in replicating their success in their second years in the NHL. It’s a hard league to produce in and consistency is tough to come by.
For Hertl, the positive was he was able to bounce back from a knee injury he sustained against the Los Angeles Kings last year and play in all 82 games. From a productivity standpoint, it was a step backwards for Hertl who scored 13 goals and 18 assists, but was a minus-five for the season. In only 37 games a season ago, Hertl caught the league by storm with a four-goal effort against the New York Rangers and finished with 15 goals and 10 assists, while being a plus-11.
After spending last season on the top line with Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski, Hertl bounced around the lineup due to his inconsistency. Hertl appeared to still be dealing with the after effects of the knee injury and he will need to continue to build strength to be able to better handle the rigors of the NHL season.
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From a productivity standpoint, it was a similar season for Nieto who posted 10 goals and 17 assists in 72 games this year, after scoring 10 goals and 14 assists during his rookie year. Nieto was a mainstay on the second line alongside Patrick Marleau and Logan Couture, but struggled to elevate his game.
Nieto generated plenty of chances, but couldn’t convert which hurt the Sharks’ offense as a whole. Similar to Hertl, Nieto needs to continue to add strength to be tougher to knock off the puck. His speed will always be his greatest asset, but Nieto needs to be counted on for more than 10 goals a season if San Jose is to have the success they seek.
Hertl and Nieto are two talented forwards who took a step backwards this season, but still offer plenty for this hockey team. It will be a big offseason for both players to see if they can learn from their hardships during their second seasons and bounce back with a stronger, more consistent effort next year.
If the Sharks are to return to the playoffs next season, they will need their two young guns to live up to the flashes of potential they’ve shown.