In the absence of the San Jose Sharks’ top two centers last night, Patrick Marleau failed to emerge as a solution, as the veteran struggled in his move back to the middle. Tomas Hertl, on the other hand, succeeded, and revealed he could help mitigate the injuries to Joe Thornton and Logan Couture in a likely first-round series against the Edmonton Oilers.
Hertl, alongside linemates Jannik Hansen and Mikkel Boekder, drew the toughest assignment last night. The trio spent the vast majority of their ice time against Hart Trophy candidate Connor McDavid, and managed to control play.