Blades of Teal
Fansided

San Jose Sharks Report Cards: The Dynamic Defense

By Michael Gutnick

SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 31: An overhead view of the San Jose Sharks bench as they face the Calgary Flames at SAP Center on March 31, 2019 in San Jose, California (Photo by Brandon Magnus/NHLI via Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 31: An overhead view of the San Jose Sharks bench as they face the Calgary Flames at SAP Center on March 31, 2019 in San Jose, California (Photo by Brandon Magnus/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Marc-Edouard Vlasic carries the puck up the ice for the San Jose Sharks
SAN JOSE, CA – APRIL 18: Marc-Edouard Vlasic #44 of the San Jose Sharks skates with the puck against the Los Angeles Kings in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on April 18, 2016 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images) /

Marc-Edouard Vlasic

Grade: B-

One of the best shut-down defensemen in the league, Marc-Edouard Vlasic noticeably did not meet a high level of expectations out of the gate. His lackluster plus/minus rating of -6 on the team did not exactly help his case. It was the first time Vlasic possessed a negative differential since the 2007-2008 campaign.

Vlasic did sustain an awkward wrist injury in a game against Colorado shortly after the new year and missed a couple contests. He recovered and made much more of a significant impact during the second half after his sluggish start.

Vlasic notched a pair of pivotal goals in Game 6 against the Avalanche, giving the Sharks a fighting chance in the dying moments to advance to the WCFs in enemy territory.

No. 44 collected three goals and 25 points in 72 games, but his expertise came through in the defensive zone, breaking up entry passes and negating odd-man rushes with his long reach and quick reflexes.

Vlasic will continue to improve shutting down the top lines next season. Although he struggled at times, he’s one player who prides himself in giving his team a chance to win through his defensive repertoire.

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