San Jose Sharks: 1st Month Player Report Cards

One month into the season, the San Jose Sharks sit tied for fourth in the West, even with guess who?

The Minnesota Wild.

Although it's been four months since the Sharks and Wild finished trading rosters, the teams still find themselves in the center of each other's worlds, neck-and-neck in the standings with a showdown coming Thursday night.

Both teams have enjoyed early success largely in part due to the contributions their new players have made.

In San Jose's case, however, Brent Burns and Martin Havlat are pieces that were added to an already championship-caliber roster in an effort to improve the team's defense and speed.

And even after parting with offensive juggernauts Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi, the Sharks find themselves scoring 3.00 goals per game, with a 21.3 percent efficiency on the power play.

Let's look at the new—and old—faces on the Sharks' roster, and how they've performed in what is, once again, hopefully their Stanley Cup season.

Joe Thornton, C (1st Line)

Numbers: 4 G, 9 A, plus-5 rating, 56.2 FO%, 15 takeaways, 21:16 ice time

Positives: Joe has been his usual self, controlling the puck down low like no other and setting up his linemates with excellent scoring chances. He's been dominant in the faceoff circle, and for the second straight year, has looked equally dominant in all three zones.

Negatives: Thornton has not put satisfactory work as a penalty killer. As the team's captain, his PK effort should be much greater, and as the team's best backchecker, faceoff man and biggest forward, the results should be greater as well. The Sharks' best player needs to re-invent himself on a PK that ranks 29th in the NHL.

Grade: B+. His incredible three-zone play would have netted him an A last year, but now that we know he has it in him, we are looking for yet a little more from the captain.

Joe Pavelski, RW (1st Line)

Numbers: 9 G, 8 A, plus-7 rating, 51.8 FO%, 13 blocked shots, 21:25 ice time

Positives: This has got to be the year little Joe gets recognized as an All-Star. His ability to activate away from the puck and get to the perfect spot at the perfect time has always made him a clutch goal scorer. Now he's so good at it that it's making him look like a team-carrying goal scorer. His supreme hockey sense and positioning translates to the defensive end as well, where he puts in more effort than any other Shark.

Negatives: Very few, but sometimes Pavelski tries to do too much. He hasn't fully come to terms with being the team's best goal scorer, so he often makes the extra pass that he's used to making. His 13 giveaways are a testament to that, and while he is third on the team with 44 shots, he should be first.

Grade: A. Joe has always been praised for his hockey IQ, his effort in all three zones and his clutch play. It's time to make the leap and stop treating him like a wonderful asset; this guy is a superstar.

Patrick Marleau, LW (1st/2nd Line)

Numbers: 4 G, 8 A, plus-6 rating, 48.0 FO%, 15 hits, 20:49 ice time

Positives: Marleau is settling into his 30's, but still skating better than just about every 20-something in the league. His ability to get behind the defense and handle breakout passes has made him yet again the Sharks' scariest threat 5-on-5, and his ability to win races to loose pucks benefits the offense, defense, PP,and PK.

Negatives: The Sharks have a lot of do-it-all forwards, and Marleau isn't one of them. He's not relied to block shots, steal the puck or check opponents frequently (although he has this year). Marleau is paid handsomely to score goals, and while 4 in 13 games isn't anything to worry about, it's not a pace to maintain either.

Grade: C+. Patrick has been good offensively and average defensively. For a guy with his contract, skill and experience, the Sharks are looking for dominant offense and good defense. Maybe a move to the second line where he's the clear go-to-guy will help.

Logan Couture, C/LW (1st/2nd Line)

Numbers: 6 G, 5 A, plus-4 rating, 49.4 FO%, 12 takeaways, 18:04 ice time

Positives: Many believed that Logan set the production bar a little too high in his rookie year. With six goals and 11 points through 13 games, Logan is on pace to well eclipse last year's totals. Logan's uncanny nose for the puck nets him prime scoring chances that he doesn't often squander, a sure-fire formula to continue becoming an elite goal scorer.

Negatives: Logan has a lot more natural defensive skill than most of the Sharks' forwards, so even though he's been good in his own zone, he has been playing under his ability. Logan's nose for the puck, speed and faceoff skills made him the Sharks' best defensive forward last year. This year, the effort in his own zone has taken a step back.

Grade: B. A huge question before the season was if Couture would increase, decrease or maintain his production on offense. Given that the early answer is increase, his low faceoff percentage and relatively weak defensive pursuit and PK-ing can be forgiven for now.

Martin Havlat, RW (2nd Line)

Numbers: 1 G, 7 A, plus-4 rating, 18:18 ice time

Positives: Martin was brought into San Jose to provide speed and be a versatile winger. He has done this, but to a greater degree than expected. Havlat has become the centerpiece of the Sharks' second line, using his crafty skating, puck-handling and passing to put up seven assists in only nine games. His defensive play has also been a surprise.

Negatives: Havlat has literally done absolutely everything he was brought in to do and more. If we want to be hard on him, he could probably use his Datsyukian-like skill set to become a better backchecker, but he is who he is and is not disappointing in any way thus far.

Grade: A. Havlat has only scored one goal thus far, but looking at the way he's dominated offensively, this guy could wind up challenging for the Sharks' scoring title. Not bad for a supposed offensive downgrade from Dany Heatley.

Ryane Clowe, LW (2nd Line)

Numbers: 4 G, 7 A, plus-1 rating, 2 PPG, 16 hits, 17:26 ice time

Positives: Known as a gritty leader, Ryane Clowe continues to prove that he's also one of the better board players in the entire NHL, checking opponents, winning the puck and then controlling it like he thinks he's Joe Thornton. His puck possession ability is a big reason Havlat and Couture have put up gaudy numbers early.

Negatives: Clowe is being asked to fill a hefty role: replace Dany Heatley on the power play. So far, he hasn't failed, but he has a lot of room for improvement. His big frame is comparable to Healtey's, but his craftiness as a net-front player, whether with screens or putting home rebounds, is not where it could be by season's end.

Grade: A-. Ryane Clowe continues to completely fly under the radar and be viewed as a "role" player. Aside from Joe Thornton, however, this guy may be the most indispensable forward the Sharks have.

Michal Handzus, C (3rd Line)

Numbers: 2 G, 1 A, plus-1 rating, 50.8 FO%, 14 blocked shots, 15:18 ice time

Positives: Handzus has done a lot of the little things he was brought in to do. He's winning draws, blocking shots on the PK and providing the third line with some net-front play.

Negatives: Handzus scored 30 points last year. He only has three so far this year. While his linemates may deserve more of the blame, Handzus is a veteran making veteran money, and needs to find a way to lead an increase in secondary scoring. While Handzus has done his personal job on the PK, he is, once again, a veteran making veteran money, and it's his job to lead this unit to more success.

Grade: D. If Michal Handzus were Scott Nichol, he'd get a B+. He's doing his personal job as a checking line vet. But he is expected to be a leader and difference maker, and so far he's played uninspired hockey.

Torrey Mitchell, RW (3rd Line)

Numbers: 0 G, 3 A, plus-0 rating, 9 takeaways, 12:22 ice time

Positives: Mitchell has altered his game for his altered line. Playing on a less explosive third line, he's put in work on the defensive end, something an excellent nine takeaways in 10 games is a testament to. He also continues to use his exceptional speed to win loose pucks for his line.

Negatives: Mitchell is in a tough spot. Looking like he may be headed for a breakout year offensively, Torrey has no goals so far this season. It is tough to blame him, as he's gone from playing with Pavelski and Kyle Wellwood to Handzus and Jamie McGinn, but Torrey has the skill set to make a choice and create his own offense. So far, he hasn't.

Grade: D+. It's impossible to give Mitchell anything lower, because he is simply trapped on an offensively punchless line. I said it before the season and I'll say it again: Mitchell needs to play with a playmaker to realize his offensive potential.

Jamie McGinn, LW (3rd Line)

Numbers: 1 G, 1 A, plus-2 rating, 24 hits, 2 PIM, 10:29 ice time

Positives: Jamie leads all Sharks forwards in hits, and has finally combined his physicality with good decision making: He's only drawn one minor penalty all season. While his linemates fail to produce the offense they are expected to, McGinn is the No. 1 reason there hasn't been a shake-up on the third line so far: His hitting and thus puck-possession contributions have kept the line positive +/- wise.

Negatives: While his linemates are the ones expected to put up points on this line, McGinn does have an offensive skill set that he greatly misuses. His speed, strength and powerful shot could make him the surprise catalyst for secondary scoring in San Jose, but he makes bad decisions with the puck and doesn't even try to be more than a checking player.

Grade: C+. McGinn is the only guy on this line playing decently so far this season, but because of the other guys' struggles, he needs to step his game up another level.

4th Line

Andrew Murray, RW: Murray has provided the Sharks' fourth line with exactly what it needed: a lot of physical, smart play. He's been a positive force puck possession wise and should continue getting consistent minutes. B+

Andrew Desjardins, C: Desjardins scored two goals on opening night, and doesn't have a point since. He's done very well on the defensive end, but an increase in offense and a better faceoff percentage would take this line to an elite level. B-

Brad Winchester, LW: Brad Winchester has been a force for the Sharks' fourth line. His 22 hits are third on the team, amazing for a guy who's dead last in ice time (7:07 mpg). The perfect compliment to what has been a great fourth line thus far. A-

Dan Boyle, D (1st Pairing)

Numbers: 1 G, 8 A, plus-5 rating, 21 blocked shots, 26:01 ice time

Positives: Boyle has moved into his mid-30's, and is still one of the absolute best puck-moving defenseman in the NHL. He's been a force on the power play, and his 5-on-5 defensive zone play looks better than it has in years. When you stay in shape while gaining experience, you improve with age. That's what Boyle's done.

Negatives: Dan has had trouble finding the net this year. He's only scored one goal, despite leading the team in shots. Danny must get his shot going, because there's no way he's going to start shooting less. He also needs to cut down on penalties, as when he goes to the box, the PK loses a big piece.

Grade: B+. If Boyle plays like this all season, the Sharks will be just fine. If he steps his game up a tiny bit more, he could push them over the top.

Douglas Murray, D (1st Pairing)

Numbers: 0 G, 3 A, plus-10 rating, 31 hits, 36 blocked shots, 19:56 ice time

Positives: Let's see. He leads the team in hits, and each one of them is a bruiser. He leads the team in blocked shots with 13 more than the next guy. The man has no goals this year, only three assists, and still easily leads the team as a plus-10. What does that mean? It means he's one of the best defensive zone players in the NHL.

Negatives: Murray has 11 giveaways, far too many for a stay-at-home defenseman. He has been effective in the past jumping up into the play due to his size, but will only be so moving forward if he values the puck more.

Grade: A. Hands down, Douglas has been the best defenseman on the Sharks this season, and he's playing on a blue-line that features two All-Stars and one future All-Star.

Brent Burns, D (2nd Pairing)

Numbers: 3 G, 2 A, plus-0 rating, 23 blocked shots, 22:46 ice time

Positives: Burns was brought in to give the Sharks a dynamic D-man to provide offense when Boyle is off the ice, and he's done just that. Burns pushes the puck in a hurry, and jumps up into the play to create dynamite scoring chances that most D-men wouldn't dream of creating. His offensive might is felt most on the PP, where his rocket of a shot is a weapon the Sharks haven't had in years.

Negatives: Burns clearly has the ability to be a shutdown defender. He understands positioning, has a massive frame and a long reach, and the speed to recover from a mistake. But so far this season, he hasn't put it together. He has misplayed many odd-man breaks, and has not helped his cause by giving the puck away 13 times.

Grade: B-. Burns has provided this team with an offensive spark, and his incredible slap shot alone makes him an All-Star candidate. But if he wants to help win a championship, he needs to settle down, pick his spots and embrace his role as a two-way defenseman.

Marc-Edouard Vlasic, D (2nd Pairing)

Numbers: 1 G, 3 A, plus-5 rating, 21:57 ice time

Positives: In Marc-Edouard's first five seasons, he's been at least plus-13 four times, and he's looking to easily eclipse that number again. Simply put, Vlasic is an elite player blue-line to blue-line. He keeps the puck in with great efficiency, but also always knows when to retreat, and if he doesn't get a takeaway in the neutral zone, he'll stand you up at his own blue-line.

Negatives: Because Vlasic is so good at breaking up entries, he's the Sharks' No. 1 D-man on the PK. However, this means he needs to be selling out to block shots a lot more often than he has so far this year.

Grade: B+. As is the case with so many Sharks this season, Vlasic is playing extremely well 5-on-5, and has a lot of work to do on the PK. If he shores that part of his game up, him and Burns will be just as good a duo as Boyle and Murray.

3rd Pairing

Colin White: White has shown flashes of why he was brought in. He can be physical, get in shooting lanes and clear the crease. However, he has also shown why New Jersey let him go. He gets caught out of position very often, and makes virtually zero offensive contributions. D+.

Jason Demers: After what appeared to be a breakout second half last year, Demers has once again struggled early. Bad decisions with the puck and lapses in coverage have him sitting at minus-six in only seven games. With San Jose's excellent depth on D, Demers is at risk of losing his job. D.

Justin Braun: Braun entered the season as D-man No. 8 on the Sharks' depth chart, and now he looks like he may be No. 5. This is greatly due to lackluster play by the guys above, but Braun has shown that he can move the puck almost as well as Demers while making better decisions and being stronger in his own zone. With a solid vet next to him, he could start putting up points as well. B.

Jim Vandermeer: Jim Vandermeer has only found the ice four times for the Sharks this season, and that pace is likely to continue. While Jim plays a relatively mistake-free game compared to White and Demers, he has not matched either one's play-making ability on each respective end, and doesn't seem like he has the potential to either. C-.

Antti Niemi, G (1st String)

Numbers: 5 W, 2 L, 1 OT, 2.96 GAA, .898 SV%

Positives: Niemi is outstanding with his pads and rarely gets beaten down low. He's looked very strong on breakaways this season, challenging attackers and elusively taking away the five-hole. As always, Niemi's glove is rock solid, and he eats difficult pucks that would otherwise become juicy rebounds.

Negatives: Niemi's positioning and net coverage has just been off all year. He has not squared himself to shooters or cut off angles well at all. He hasn't used the push off the pipe that he's usually so good at, and as a result has been terrible on odd-man rushes and the PK. Finally, he has not even tried to fight through screens. That's something he's never been good at, but he must at least make an effort.

Grade: C-. Niemi is doing enough to win games, something he's always been known for. However, he has yet to steal a game this year, and has not upped his intensity in high pressure moments like he usually does and must start doing.

Thomas Greiss, G (2nd String)

Numbers: 3 W, 2 L, 1.99 GAA, .928 SV%

Positives: Greiss is doing almost everything Antti Niemi is not. He has displayed excellent positioning all year and gets across the paint in a hurry. He squares himself to shooters and defends his crease. He has displayed a good glove as well as a very strong down-low game. 

Negatives: His positioning makes this a smaller issue, but Greiss is not strong with his stick hand, and has a leaky seven-hole. He also struggles with playing pucks behind the net. Although his 5-on-5 play is obliterating Niemi's thus far, he's even worse on the PK. Whether this is due to bad communication or not is unclear.

Grade: A-. Greiss has been one of the most important players for the Sharks this year. Niemi has had injury problems and struggled to find consistency, and Antero Nittymaki is out for a long time. If Greiss faltered, the Sharks would have huge net issues. As it is, the pressure is off Niemi and Nittymaki, as San Jose feels great with Greiss in net.