With five goals over the past two games, Patrick Marleau has been making a statement.
The 37-year-old center is in his 19th season with the San Jose Sharks after being drafted second overall back in 1997, and is now on pace for 28 goals in 2016-17 after his recent outburst. That would be Marleau's highest goal total since 2013-14, and a clear sign he's still able to make a meaningful impact for the defending Western Conference champions.
"He’s a special player," Sharks coach Pete DeBoer said after Tuesday's win over Winnipeg, per Mike McIntyre of The Mercury News. "He’s had an unbelievable career, and he looks like he’s still got a lot of gas in the tank."
Marleau's secret? Sticking to the basics.
"It’s been a real tough schedule but the guys have been taking care of themselves, getting the proper rest and putting in the proper work in between games. Eat, sleep, play hockey," Marleau said.
Marleau is in the final year of his current deal with the Sharks, and he - along with Joe Thornton - is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Whether or not the two sides decide to part ways, Marleau doesn't appear ready to give up on the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup.
Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.