Marc-Edouard Vlasic a problem for the San Jose Sharks
Not all that long ago Vlasic was one of the most underrated stars in the NHL. Oh, how things change.
The 32-year-old’s game has vastly depreciated in recent years, to the point where – at $7 million per – Vlasic is now one of the most overpaid players in the NHL.
The San Jose Sharks are off to a dreadful 5-10-1 start and sit just one point clear of last in the Western Conference.
There are many reasons for this and Vlasic’s performance is at or near the top of the list. The Sharks have been absolutely dominated with Vlasic on the ice.
As you can see, the Sharks’ share of the shot attempts is 9.1% lower with Vlasic. In simpler terms, if they get 50 of every 100 shots without Vlasic, they’re getting 41 of every 100 with Vlasic. That makes a big difference.
Vlasic’s impact on the team’s Expected Goals number is somehow worse, and his abysmal Relative Goals For% is dead last on the team by a landslide.
It’s clear Vlasic is not close to the player he was a few seasons ago. The sooner his usage reflects that; the better off the Sharks will be.
The top line powering Bruins’ remarkable start
The Boston Bruins own an 11-2-2 record through 15 games. They have 24 points, good for 2nd in the NHL, and lead the league in terms of goal differential and points percentage.
They have been nothing short of spectacular through the first month and change and, as you’d expect, the top line is most responsible.
David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand, and Patrice Bergeron have already combined to record 32 goals (and 74 points). For a perspective of how insane that is, the Chicago Blackhawks have scored 33 goals and the Detroit Red Wings have scored 35 goals (in two more games, too!).
This dynamic trio has performed admirably on the power play and dominated at 5v5; even more than we’re accustomed to seeing.
From 2017-19, they controlled 57.53% of the attempts, 55.98% of the expected goals, and out-scored opponents by 1.23 goals per 60. This across a hair under 1,000 minutes.
To date, Boston’s top line has controlled 58.08% of the shot attempts, 59.38% of the expected goals, and out-scored the opposition by 2.27 goals per 60. We’re dealing with a much smaller sample size but those numbers illustrate just how dominant the top line has performed.
Pastrnak, Marchand, and Bergeron have made up arguably the league’s best trio for years. Despite the latter two being 31 and 34 years of age, they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
That bodes well for the Bruins’ chances of contending once again.
