Mar 19, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; San Jose Sharks center Chris Tierney (50) turns to shoot the puck as Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) defends at Air Canada Centre. The Sharks beat the Maple Leafs 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Tierney was a man without a home last season. As a rookie with the San Jose Sharks, Tierney found himself constantly on the cross-country flights from San Jose to Worcester, the home of the Sharks AHL-franchise.
However, once Tierney was recalled to San Jose one final time at the beginning of March, the light would go one for the Sharks second-round pick in 2012. Tierney would score five goals and nine assists over the last month-and-a-half as he was one of San Jose’s best forwards to wrap up the season.
It was his play to conclude the year that edged out Melker Karlsson as the Sharks top rookie during the 2014-15 season. While Karlsson certainly was solid during his initial campaign with San Jose, Tierney flashed his offensive potential which should continue to flourish with the Sharks.
Tierney totaled six goals and 15 assists, with a plus-three rating in 43 games, while Karlsson posted 13 goals and 11 assists with a minus-three rating in 53 games. The edge goes to Tierney because he settled into the third-line center role, while Karlsson benefitted from playing on the top line.
Also, at 5-on-5, Tierney had the pest points per 60 rating for the Sharks at 1.89 along with the top shooting percentage of 11.90. Once Tierney settled into San Jose’s lineup, he flourished and looked like the prospect who posted huge numbers with the London Knights.
In his final season with the Knights, Tierney lit it up to the tune of 40 goals and 49 assists while being a plus-44.
Now, the key for Tierney will be to continue that strong finish into next season. Tierney is one of the younger players that the Sharks will rely upon to get back into postseason contention. If Tierney can solidify the third-line center role, that will allow Joe Pavelski to remain on the wing of Joe Thornton on San Jose’s top line.
Regardless, Tierney displayed his ability to produce at the NHL-level. Now, it’s time to see if he can find the consistency that everyone searches for.