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Sharks keep rolling; Kevin Lebanc has himself a night

February 9, 2019, 10:42 PM ET [7 Comments]
Steve Palumbo
San Jose Sharks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Kevin Labanc earned his first career hat trick for the San Jose Sharks in a 5-2 win victory over the slumping Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night.

Evander Kane and Tomas Hertl each had a goal and assist, while Aaron Dell made 21 saves for 7th win this season. Joe Thornton collected a pair of apples to tie Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe (1,049) for ninth all-time in assists.
It seems like Jumbo Joe reaches a new milestone every other night. His career numbers are mind-blowing for a modern-era hockey player. Thornton needs just two more points to pass Teemu Selanne for 15th all-time in points (1,457). Simply amazing. I really hope the teal and black faithful take the time to appreciate the true greatness of No. 19.

Speaking of greatness....

Lebanc only needs 1,360 more points to catch Thornton, but on Saturday night he was the real star of the game. The 23-year-old has six points (4g 2a) in his last four games and is showing head coach Pete Deboer why he is worthy of more ice time. I really like this kid and not because he and I are both from Brooklyn, but because he's a player that works very hard and makes his own luck. Seems like San Jose is chalk full of dudes like that.

As I'm sure you know, I also write the Anaheim Ducks blog it's downright depressing over there. Thankfully, the Sharks have been the complete opposite. Unlike the Ducks, San Jose has a compete level, from top to bottom, that not many in the NHL cannot equal.

With Tampa Bay playing like they have been all season, I believe experts and fans alike are sleeping on the Sharks. I like the way this team in constructed and as long at the goaltending hold up and Erik Karlsson can get back to 100%, San Jose could headed for a very long postseason run.

As I write this, San Jose and Calgary are tied atop the Pacific Division with 73 points. If the Flames lose in Vancouver it will stay that way. *fingers crossed*

Thanks for reading,
Steve
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