Blades of Teal
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San Jose Sharks Joe Pavelski Leads By Example

By Felix Chow

Jan 11, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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It came as no surprise when San Jose Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer announced that Joe Pavelski would be the newest captain of Team Teal. The 31-year-old forward finished last season with 37 goals, just four shy of his career-high total of 41 in 2013-14. With the Sharks 41 games into this season, he has 22 goals and 43 points so far, and is seemingly on pace to surpass last season’s total.

However, it’s not just his goal-scoring ability that has garnered everyone’s attention in the National Hockey League.

Drafted 205th overall by the Sharks in the 7th round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, one can be absolutely amazed by how hard he’s worked to become, in my opinion, one of the best and most underrated forwards in the NHL. As former Sharks color analyst and assistant coach Drew Remenda once said, Pavelski is an absolute workhorse.

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He works on all aspects of his game in practice, whether it’s goal scoring, face-offs, or the offensive side of hockey in general. In fact, he leads the League in tips and redirects. That’s just part of his game and what makes him so dangerous.

He’s not afraid to get in those dirty areas, but at the same time he’s just so good at finding those soft spots on the ice and in front of the net, which is where he scores most of his goals. The old hockey adage is go to the net and good things happen, and they certainly do for the Sharks’ number eight.

One more thing to note is that they don’t call him “The Big Pavelski” for nothing, as he’s scored some huge goals in his career, including this one against the

Los Angeles Kings

back in the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs:

Pavelski’s attitude and leadership capabilities will be tested in the second half of the season as he looks to guide the Sharks back into the playoffs. Entering tonight’s contest against the Edmonton Oilers, San Jose sits in third place in the Pacific, but they are just one point from being out of the postseason picture entirely.

It would be great if Pavelski could help translate his team’s road performances to home ice where the Sharks have really struggled this year. If he can help right the ship at SAP Center, San Jose should be in a good position come April.

Next: San Jose Sharks Welcome Todd McLellan Back Home

With the Sharks’ leadership in transition, there’s no question Pavelski leads the newly established core in San Jose. Now entering his prime, don’t be surprised if Joe Pavelski finds a new gear sometime in the near future.

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