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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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Tim Heed nearly converts for this drive to the net into a goal for the San Jose Sharks
VANCOUVER, BC – APRIL 2: Thatcher Demko #35 of the Vancouver Canucks makes a save off the shot of Tim Heed #72 of the San Jose Sharks during their NHL game at Rogers Arena April 2, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)”n /

Tim Heed

Grade: C

Heed was the Sharks seventh D-man, and had quite the task to fill in for Karlsson in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals.

In 37 games, Heed put up two goals and 13 points and made the most of his time when called upon with a hard shot and agile footwork.

Heed stepped up for Erik Karlsson when he could not skate in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals. Although he did not put up any points, he took advantage of the chance to compete in the Stanley Cup playoffs, setting up plays by dumping pucks deep and connecting on long breakout passes.

Heed will be the man the Sharks can trust to jump in when another defensive player falls out the lineup. Heed has shown improvement, and look to add more skill sets in the summer to become a more aggressive, versatitle defender.

Related Story. San Jose Sharks Goalie Report Cards. light

In all, the Sharks defense was the bright spot at the start of the season. There were bumps and bruises that spiked concern among the veteran blueliners on the team, but steadily improved with the surprising success from unsung heroes like Dillon and Simek. Burns and Karlsson were a powerful one-two punch.

There is light at the end of the tunnel for the Sharks to keep their stellar defense group intact. San Jose can offer the max contract to Erik Karlsson, who really did not play at a completely healthy level for the majority of the season. If the Sharks can bring back No. 65 after his successful groin surgery, the Sharks defense will be one of the best for a long, long time, and ultimately will give the Sharks the best shot at taking home the Stanley Cup.

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