SAN JOSE – It was early in the Sharks’ season when an Eastern Conference scout, familiar with Joel Ward’s four years in Washington, told me in a press box: “I [bleeping] love Joel Ward.”
More than three months into the season, his first in San Jose, it’s easy to see why.
Ward is fourth in the Sharks in goals (14) and fifth in points (30), just four points behind his point total in Washington last season when he suited up in all 82 games. On Saturday against Minnesota, his primary assist on the power play to Joonas Donskoi and backhanded goal a few minutes later keyed a 4-3 Sharks win.