Playing on Joe Thornton's right wing is the most coveted spot on the team, allowing players to rack up playing time and scoring chances. However, while several players (Cheechoo, Setoguchi, Roenick) have spent time on the big center's starboard side, nobody's been able to nail down the job permanently. Like a sparkling candle, most have dazzled for a few games on the top line before fizzling and fading.
Steve Bernier is the latest to receive an audition playing alongside one of the NHL's best playmakers and he's made the most of it, recording six points and a +5 over his last five games. The 22-year-old has bounced around from first line to fourth this season, playing a variety of roles, and feels comfortable playing on either scoring line.
"I'm getting a chance to play with Joe, but it doesn't matter if I'm playing with Patty (Marleau) or Joe, either one is a first line for me," Bernier said, noting the differences between the former NHL MVP and the Sharks captain. "With Joe you want to be in front of the net most of the time because he's going to find you. With Patty you're helping him in the corners more and getting the puck out along the boards."
Thornton is talented enough to find players wherever they are on the ice, forcing his linemates to keep their eyes on him at all times. However, too many of them have fallen into a habit often associated with puppy dogs and pretty girls, locking their eyes on him while their feet stop moving.
It happened to Jonathan Cheechoo earlier this season, watching and waiting for Jumbo Joe to create the play. He now finds himself on the third line with Torrey Mitchell and Patrick Rissmiller, tallying only five goals through his first 34 games.
"Cheech's game is putting pucks in the net and he hasn't been doing it ... he's going to have to fight his way back to the top line," said Sharks coach Ron Wilson. "It's easy to allow Joe to do all the work and you can't let Bernier get into bad habits of getting in the slot and getting fed with the baby spoon."
That doesn't appear to be a problem with Bernier, who gives the Sharks a valuable physical presence most nights. He's also improved his forechecking, and the increased focus on separating opponents from the puck has resulted in more chances around the net.
"I used to try to look for the hit, and I wouldn't think about the puck as much," Bernier said. "Now I'm looking for the puck first and if the hit is there I'll take it."
"Bernie has been determined and he's winning battles," Wilson said. "That's one of the things he has to bring every night, going to the net, staying in front of the net, and using his size to his advantage."
Now playing his third year in the league, Bernier has had to live up to lofty expectations created by a successful rookie season. He recorded 27 points in 39 games during the 2005-06 year, racking up most of them during the Sharks' dramatic late-season run. He experienced something of a sophomore slump last year, finishing with 31 points in 62 games, but he's showing signs of developing into a complete player.
Developing into a consistent power forward takes time and Bernier looks to be rounding out his game, becoming a physical and offensive threat. Asked if he's starting to fill more of a natural role, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound winger answered as most of the young Sharks would, admitting that he has to be ready for anything the coaching staff throws at him.
"It's tough to know because we have a deep team," Bernier said. "Everybody can play on the first, second, fourth line so there's always someone who can step in and you can always be moved back to the fourth line. But it's fun here because you learn every day and we have a great team that's working towards a Stanley Cup."
Bernier's promotion has resulted in a flash and a spark, breathing new life into the top line and putting the big winger's season back on track. Shark fans are hoping the strong play continues, rather that fizzling and fading like so many before him.
***
Not sure how many Patzold fans had a restless night, but he cleared waivers and he's been assigned to Worcester while Greiss has been recalled. Was it worth the risk? Of course it was, but if Greiss gets a start this weekend it will blow my mind.
***
My midseason report card will be coming out tomorrow. Also, join us on SharksBuzz Wednesday night at 10pm PT when we'll be talking with David Pollak from the San Jose Mercury News and taking your calls. Have a great day everybody!
Join the Discussion:
»