SAN JOSE — Tomas Hertl’s progress at playing center in the NHL has helped the Sharks absorb what could have been a devastating loss with the injury to Logan Couture.
Hertl has played between Patrick Marleau and Joel Ward on the Sharks’ second line since Couture was injured in practice Oct. 15. Hertl has collected two assists in the five subsequent games, but has been dominant in the faceoff circle and has impressed Sharks coach Pete DeBoer with his play in the defensive zone.
“He’s getting more comfortable,” DeBoer said of Hertl. “He’s a big guy with skill. He moves well. I think he’s got a real high ceiling with room still to grow. I like him defensively. He’s doing some good things.”
Hertl was mostly a winger in his first two seasons with the Sharks, but was moved into his natural position of center during training camp. And with Couture not expected back for another three to five weeks, the Sharks needed Hertl to assume a larger role in the middle of the ice.
For the first three games of the season, Hertl averaged just over 14 minutes of ice time per game on the Sharks’ third line. Since he’s been on the second line, he’s averaged over 16 minutes per game.
“I’m playing maybe a few more minutes now and I feel good,” said Hertl, who had just 13 goals and 31 points in 82 games last season. “It’s good for me. I like playing center. Fast pace. Every day, I’m a little bit better in the D zone.”
On his first shift with his new linemates against the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 16, Hertl picked up the second assist on a goal by Marleau. But perhaps Hertl’s most impressive games at center have been his past two.
Against Los Angeles last Thursday, he had four shots on goal, won all three of his draws in the defensive zone and was 6 of 10 on faceoffs against Kings center Jeff Carter. Against Carolina on Saturday, Hertl won 9 of 12 draws.
Among Sharks players who have taken at least 30 faceoffs, Hertl leads the team with a 60.4 (55 of 91) win percentage.
Hertl said he’s worked with development coach Mike Ricci on his faceoffs and tries to adjust his approach in the circle depending on who he’s facing.
“That’s been a nice surprise,” DeBoer said of Hertl’s faceoff success. “Usually young guys, that’s probably where they get eaten up the most in this league. He’s a big strong guy and he takes a lot of pride in it.”
Hertl also put a nifty move on Hurricanes rookie defenseman Noah Hanifin in the first period to set up a San Jose scoring chance, which Ward converted for his first of three goals that night. It was a good indication that Hertl’s confidence is on the rise.
“A couple very good games. Still a couple mistakes,” Hertl said Monday of his own play. “So far, pretty good. We scored a goal last game, which is good for our line. I just keep going. We’re doing well in the defensive zone, we need just a couple small details in D zone and I think we’ll be OK.”
“Moving in the right direction. Every practice they get through is a step,” DeBoer said. “But I wouldn’t call either of them ready right now. We’ll see how they feel (Tuesday) and take it day by day.”
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