Ranking my top moments from the season
The San Jose Sharks season was one of despair and disappointment, but there were some moments of joy for fans to remember.
5. Gregor nets his first career hat trick
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-9U3A1tyCY[/embed]
Late in the season, forward Noah Gregor began to figure out his game. On April 1st, against the Arizona Coyotes, Gregor powered San Jose to a 7-2 victory. His speed and shot have been his best attributes, and he showed them off at Mullet Arena.
4. William Eklund's first career goal
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9tR5iGUsOU[/embed]
The 2021 first-round pick is widely regarded as the San Jose Sharks' top prospect. On March 14th against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Eklund found a loose puck in front and slipped it home while falling down. He showed tremendous skill and poise that made him the seventh overall pick.
3. Hertl scores in his hometown of Prague
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPM6pc-ZSfA[/embed]
Team Teal was a part of the NHL Global Series to start the season. The Sharks faced off against the Nashville Predators on Oct. 7 and 8 in Prague, Czech Republic. Forward Tomas Hertl is a native of Prague and scored the first goal of the Sharks' season. Although San Jose fell in both games, this moment had to be so special.
2. Erik Karlsson reaches 100 points
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arQ37qLGDWE[/embed]
EK65 became the sixth defenseman in NHL history to ever reach 100 points in a single season. He is the first defenseman since Brian Leetch scored 22 goals and 80 assists for the New York Rangers during the 1991-92 season. On April 10th, Karlsson reached the 100-point milestone with a seeing-eye shot from the point. It is pretty much a given that he will be nominated for the Norris Trophy, and if he wins it, it will be the third of his career.
1. Patrick Marleau's number becomes the first number retired by the Sharks
Mr. San Jose Shark Patrick Marleau had his number sent to the rafters of the SAP Center on Feb. 25th. Marleau was joined on stage by Joe Thornton and Kelly Hrudey. Hrudey and Marleau were only teammates for two seasons, but Hrudey made a major impact. Hrudey allowed Marleau to stay with him and his family. As an 18-year-old rookie, the transition to the Bay Area was made smoother with this gesture.
Thornton and Marleau played together for 12 seasons and shared many moments together. Rarely did you see them apart around the rink. Marleau even said that he and Jumbo would be roommates on road trips even though they had been in the league for long enough to stay in their own room.