Preview/Lines #54: Hertl Says He, Meier Need to Score More

It’s no surprise that Timo Meier and Tomáš Hertl, one-two on the San Jose Sharks in goals and points, bear the most expectations on the team when it comes to scoring. However, as of late, both have struggled to find consistent scoring at 5-on-5.

1st time this season #SJSharks have won a game without a point for Hertl or Meier

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) February 28, 2022

In fact, they finally won their first game without Timo or Tommy scoring a point on Sunday.

This morning, Hertl discussed his role on the team, specifically mentioning that he is used in many different situations: “It’s always tough because you want to help your team, you know, and score goals. I think my game is all places. I play a lot of important faceoffs and PKs, but you know, the goals are always expected more than this stuff.”

Hertl went on to mention that as long as skaters are getting chances, it’s a positive sign of life for the team. Hertl has been slumping recently, his last goal 10 games ago in Florida. In fact, he did not score a goal in eight February contests — the last time that Hertl failed to score a goal in a month where he played more than five games was Mar. 2017.

But like he said, he’s been getting his chances — he mentioned specifically Jeremy Swayman’s incredible save against him on Saturday.

“When you don’t have chances, that’s when you should look at our game and ask what is happening,” the veteran noted. “When chances are coming, you’re making something happen, and you should score. It’s just a matter of time, so just stay with it.”

Between Hertl and Meier, they have registered 61 shots on goal at 5-on-5 between them since Jan. 17’s game against the Kings per Natural Stat Trick. However, in the 13 games following Meier’s five-goal outburst, the duo has contributed just two goals and four points between them at 5-on-5. So Hertl and Meier haven’t scored a 5v5 goal between them since Hertl last scored on Jan. 29. Meier has potted four power play markers in this period.

“Timo and me, [the Sharks are] expecting a lot, and I know lately that we haven’t scored many goals, especially at 5-on-5. So we have to get better, help the team, and score a couple more.”

SAN JOSE SHARKS (24-23-6)

#SJSharks lines and pairings all same as last game except Cogliano back on third line with Bonino/Nieto, and Reedy with Weatherby/Viel

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) March 1, 2022

How the team lined up on Sunday — James Reimer should make his 13th straight start:

#SJSharks lines tonight…Reedy has been recalled, Dahlen out:

Meier-Hertl-Barabanov
Dzingel-Couture-Gregor
Nieto-Bonino-Reedy
Gadjovich-Weatherby-Viel

Middleton-Burns
Vlasic-Meloche
Simek-Merkley

Reimer

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) February 28, 2022

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS (29-20-4)

Pete DeBoer said Max Pacioretty (lower body) & Mattias Janmark (upper body) are both out for tomorrow’s game, and “I wouldn’t call either close.”

He said Robin Lehner is back, and expects him to start tomorrow.

— Jesse Granger (@JesseGranger_) February 28, 2022

Jake Leschyshyn has been called up to VGK. Mattias Janmark was placed on IR as the corresponding move.

— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) March 1, 2022

This is how Vegas Hockey Now projects the lines:

Golden Knights Gameday #54: Lehner’s Return, Lines, Notes, vs Sharks

WHERE TO WATCH

Puck drop between the San Jose Sharks and Vegas Golden Knights is at 7:00 PM PT at T-Mobile Arena. Watch it live on NBC Sports California and AT&T Sportsnet Rocky Mountain. Listen to it on the Sharks Audio Network.

NHL BETTING

Want to bet on tonight’s San Jose Sharks-Vegas Golden Knights’ tilt? Do your NHL betting at FanDuel.

Putting in some morning work 💼 pic.twitter.com/cymgJJl1Zq

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) February 24, 2022