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Marc-Edouard Vlasic stepping
up
Young defenseman has transitioned to
veteran
| 10/13/13 - By Zack Bodenstein -
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With all the talk over the Sharks' 19-year old
rookie sensation Tomas Hertl, and the Sharks' stellar 4-0-0 start, many people
have been under looking the outstanding 2-way play of Sharks Defenseman
Marc-Edouard Vlasic. Vlasic has always been known as a solid defensive
defenseman, who can be heavily relied on to block shots, eat up valuable
minutes and shut down the best of the oppositions players. However, he's much
more than that now.
Vlasic's offensive upside is really starting to
show. After having only 7 points in last years 48 game campaign, Vlasic has
already put up 5 points in his first 4 games to begin the 2013-2014 season.
Vlasic is already a plus-7 on the season, as his defensive duties have not been
left behind him, despite his offensive pickup.
His game has evolved in
a big way, as he's starting to jump up in the offensive rushes and become more
offensive minded. At the same time, he still maintains a very smart defensive
game, making him a very effective defenseman.
This is Vlasic's 8th
year in the NHL, and over the years he's been paired with the likes of guys
such as Dan Boyle, Rob Blake, Brian Campbell and Brad Stuart. He's developed
extremely well in all 3 zones since being drafted 35th overall in 2005.
He's just looked like a complete player. Vlasic has been eating up
valuable minutes of shutting down the best of the opposition, saving Dan
Boyle's ageing legs. This has made Vlasic an even more valuable Defenseman to
the Sharks.
There are also discussions of Vlasic possibly making
Team Canada for the 2014 Olympic games in Sochi. Canada's Defensive depth has a
lack of left-handed shooting Defenseman, and after seeing the way Vlasic has
developed, perhaps he has a chance to make this team and shut down the best
players in the world.
Vlasic's entire game has been impressive, so
far. The Sharks are off to another blistering hot start to the season.
Hopefully they can stay consistent throughout their entire game. Go Sharks Go!
Contact Zack at at
zackbodenstein@letsgosharks.com
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